How to Tell Simple and Complex Cysts on Ovaries Apart

Like everything else, cysts can either be simple or complex. It is, therefore, always best to know which ones you’re dealing with to determine the best course of action to take.

Know the Symptoms

Simple cysts are small membranous growths around certain body organs with either gas, fluids ,semi-solid, or solid fillings. These types of cysts are common in the ovaries and very rarely become a medical issue. On the other hand, complex cysts on ovaries, or cysts that have two or more types, are another story.

There are many types of simple cysts and complex cysts on ovaries, and differentiating one from the other by symptoms alone is not enough. The symptoms that characterize both simple and complex cysts on ovaries are quite the same, such as pain in the pelvic area, tenderness of breasts, abnormal bleeding or the absence of it, nausea and vomiting, and so on. The only way to be sure if you’re dealing with simple or complex cysts on ovaries is through a thorough examination of the mass, either through ultrasound or laparoscopy. These methods essentially show the genetic make up of the cysts to determine if they are, indeed, simple or complex cysts on ovaries.

Know the Difference

The main difference between simple and complex cysts on ovaries is that simple cysts are usually either functional, or very likely benign in cases that they are not. The main process that leads to their formation are linear and quite predictable. Simple cysts also usually resolve themselves after a couple of cycles, and are fairly small and unobtrusive because they generally come from single cells.

Complex cysts on ovaries, on the other hand, do not behave in the same way, and have the notoriety of growing quickly into quite impressive sizes. These complex cysts on ovaries can even grow up to an alarming twelve inches in diameter.

Know the Types of Complex Cysts on Ovaries

There are several types of complex cysts on ovaries, one of them being dermoid cysts, or those cysts made up of developed human tissues which may include hair, mature skin, teeth, eyes, and so on. One other form of complex cysts on ovaries is the endometrionoma, or when uterine cells grow outside of the uterus and attach themselves to the ovaries. Lastly, there is also cystadenomas – that is to say, cysts that are either two to six inches in diameter filled with a thin liquid (serous), or six to twelve inches in diameter with thick liquid (mucinous) inside.

Aside from the pain that complex cysts on ovaries will undoubtedly cause, these cysts also present other health concerns as they can burst or rupture and may lead to internal bleeding and sepsis or blood poisoning, as well as pre-term labor or forced abortions during pregnancy. However, these rarely become malignant, or cancerous. Most of the time, surgery is the only option for these types of cysts in order to remove them completely and prevent further growth. It is best to consult an expert immediately.