Why Cyst Develops In The Ovary

If you have ovarian cysts, one natural query you would have is: WHY? Here are five most common causes of ovarian cysts. But first, let's see what exactly an ovarian cyst is:

What is Ovarian Cyst?

It is a sac filled with fluid that develops in the ovary. It is NON-NEOPLASTIC and the features which differentiate it from neoplastic tumors are:

•  Usually, it does not exceed the size of 7 cm.
•  It resolves spontaneously in a few weeks.
•  It consists of only one chamber.
•  It has clear fluid (unless bleeding occurs).
•  Its lining resembles the lining of functional unit of ovary from which it arises.

Five most common reasons for development of Ovarian Cysts:

REASON 1: Failure of absorption of fluid in an incompletely developed follicle.

This results in follicular cysts, which is the commonest form of ovarian cysts. Mostly, follicular cysts are asymptomatic, and they disappear spontaneously within a few weeks. Rarely rupture, hemorrhage, or torsion may result in acute pain.

REASON 2: A break in the blood vessel resulting in hemorrhagic follicular cyst.

Hemorrhagic follicular cysts are not uncommon, but they are usually asymptomatic. Rarely, they may rupture causing acute pain in the abdomen.

REASON 3: Persistence and enlargement of corpus luteum.

Over activity of corpus luteum results in corpus luteum cysts. They cause prolonged menstrual cycle followed by heavy bleeding, which resembles with the symptoms of threatened abortion. Rarely, the cyst may rupture causing acute pain in abdomen, imitating the clinical picture of disturbed tubal pregnancy.

REASON 4: Excess of chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) resulting in lutein cysts.

Excessive chorionic gonadotropin is due to:

•  Gestational tumors.
•  Administration of HCG to induce ovulation.

These cysts spontaneously regress after removal of the tumor or discontinuation of the HCG therapy.

REASON 5: Continued stimulation of the ovary by luteinizing hormone (LH).

Such endocrine disturbance results in poly cystic ovarian disease, which is clinically manifested as:

•  Increasing obesity.
•  Irregular menstrual cycle.
•  Infertility (due to absence of ovulation).
•  Male characteristics, like excessive hair on face (due to excess of androgen).

Conclusion

Ovarian cysts are non-malignant lesions, which are usually asymptomatic and resolve on their own after sometime. They are, most commonly, caused due to persistence and enlargement of the functional units of ovary, like follicles and corpus luteum. Their occurrence may also be attributed to hormonal disturbances, like excess LH production.




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