Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian Cyst Treatment in Turkey: Expert Diagnosis and Advanced Solutions

What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts? Learn about the risk of rupture and torsion. Discover the differences between simple, dermoid, and chocolate cysts, and advanced laparoscopic treatment options with Dr. Cengiz Andan in Istanbul.

Understanding Ovarian Cysts: Which Ones Are Dangerous?

“Ovarian Cysts” are a common source of anxiety for women, but they are actually fluid-filled sacs that can appear in almost any woman during her reproductive years. When a patient comes to us saying “I have a cyst,” our first step is to reassure them. The vast majority of these are Functional Cysts, which are a natural part of the ovulation cycle and typically disappear on their own within 1-2 months.

However, there is another category known as Pathological Cysts. These do not go away on their own; they may grow larger, damage the ovarian tissue, or carry a risk of cancer. This is where professional treatment becomes necessary. At Dr. Cengiz Andan’s Clinic, we use precise diagnostics to distinguish between the two, saving patients from unnecessary surgeries while intervening quickly when risks are identified.

1. Types of Cysts: Benign, Suspicious, or Malignant?

The treatment plan depends entirely on the “identity” of the cyst:

• Simple (Follicular) Cysts: Formed when the egg follicle fails to rupture and release the egg. They are harmless, usually 3-5 cm in size, and resolve spontaneously after 1-2 menstrual cycles.
• Corpus Luteum Cysts: Formed after ovulation. They can sometimes bleed internally causing pain or delayed periods, but usually resolve on their own.
• Endometrioma (Chocolate Cyst): Caused by endometriosis, these are filled with thick, old blood. They do not resolve on their own, can damage ovarian reserve, and require medical or surgical management.
• Dermoid Cysts (Teratomas): Formed from embryonic cells present at birth. They can contain tissues like hair, teeth, or fat. Because they are heavy, they pose a risk of twisting the ovary (torsion). They must be removed surgically.
• Malignant (Cancerous) Cysts: On ultrasound, these appear complex with solid components and increased blood flow. They grow rapidly and may cause fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites).

2. When Should You Worry? Symptoms and Emergencies

Ovarian cysts often progress silently and are found during routine check-ups. However, watch out for these symptoms:

• Groin Pain: Dull, constant ache on one side.
• Menstrual Irregularity: Cysts can secrete hormones that disrupt your cycle.
• Abdominal Bloating: Large cysts (>10 cm) can cause a palpable mass and swelling.

Emergency Situations:

1. Cyst Rupture (Bursting): Causes sudden, sharp, knife-like pain. While often managed with painkillers and observation, severe internal bleeding requires surgery.
2. Ovarian Torsion (Twisting): Heavy cysts can cause the ovary to twist around its stalk, cutting off blood supply. This causes excruciating pain, nausea, and vomiting. Emergency Surgery is required immediately to save the ovary.

3. Treatment Approach: Birth Control Pills or Surgery?

Dr. Cengiz Andan decides the treatment based on the patient’s age, desire for children, and the ultrasound appearance of the cyst.

Watch and Wait (Monitoring):

For simple cysts smaller than 5-6 cm with no suspicion of cancer, we monitor for 3 months. Birth control pills are sometimes prescribed during this period to suppress ovulation and prevent new cysts from forming.

Surgical Treatment:

Surgery is planned if:

• The cyst does not disappear after 3 months or continues to grow.
• The size is >6-8 cm (High risk of torsion).
• The appearance is suspicious (solid areas, thick walls).
• It causes severe, persistent pain.
• It is an Endometrioma or Dermoid cyst.

The Gold Standard: We perform Laparoscopic (Keyhole) Surgery. Compared to open surgery, laparoscopy offers significantly less risk of adhesions (scar tissue), less pain, and a much faster recovery.

Dr. Cengiz Andan offers advanced diagnostic and surgical solutions for Adenomyosis in Istanbul, combining uterus-sparing techniques with world-class medical care for international patients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Do birth control pills destroy cysts?

Answer: Birth control pills do not directly “dissolve” an existing cyst. However, by suppressing ovulation, they prevent the formation of new cysts, giving the body time to naturally clear the existing one. They are commonly used for functional cysts.

2. If a cyst ruptures, will I be poisoned?

Answer: No. The fluid inside a simple cyst is body fluid and is absorbed by the abdominal lining without harm. However, if a Dermoid cyst ruptures, its contents (oil, hair) can cause a severe chemical reaction (peritonitis), requiring emergency surgical cleaning.

3. If my CA-125 test is high, do I have cancer?

Answer: CA-125 is a tumor marker that rises in ovarian cancer. HOWEVER, it can also rise due to chocolate cysts, menstruation, fibroids, or infection. A high result alone does not diagnose cancer; it must be evaluated alongside ultrasound findings.

4. Will my ovary be removed during surgery?

Answer: For benign cysts, Dr. Andan performs a Cystectomy (removing only the cyst) to preserve the healthy ovarian tissue. Removing the entire ovary (Oophorectomy) is only done in post-menopausal women, cases of torsion with gangrene (tissue death), or suspicion of cancer.

5. How is cyst treatment done for virgins?

Answer: The treatment principles are the same for married or single patients. Medication is the first line. If surgery is required, it is performed via Laparoscopy (through tiny incisions in the abdomen), so the hymen is not affected or damaged.