You may have been diagnosed with a small cyst on your ovary during a routine checkup or a scan. It's normal to feel a little uneasy when you hear this. But before you panic, let's get some facts straight. Today, we're going to talk about a condition called a paraovarian cyst, which is common in many women but is not very dangerous.
What is a Paraovarian Cyst? Simply put...
This name itself has a meaning.
- "Para" means "near" or "nearby."
- "Ovarian" means relating to your ovaries.
- A "cyst" is a sac-like structure filled with fluid (sometimes a mixture of fluid and solids).
So, a Paraovarian Cyst is not a cyst that develops on or inside your ovary , but a fluid-filled cyst that develops very close to and near the ovary. These are different from Ovarian Cysts.
Sometimes, if they form near your Fallopian tubes, they are called Paratubal Cysts (tubal means tube) . There is also a special type called Hydatid Cysts of Morgagni . These form on small finger-like projections (called fimbriae ) at the ends of the fallopian tubes. These fimbriae are what grab the egg that is released from the ovary during ovulation and pull it into the fallopian tube.
But the most important thing is that most of the time, these paraovarian cysts are harmless and show very few symptoms.
How common are these paraovarian cysts?
Paraovarian cysts account for between 5% and 20% of all cysts found in your uterus. But it's hard to say exactly how common they are, because they often have no symptoms, so some people may not even know they have them. They often go undiagnosed because they don't have a specific reason to see a doctor.
Although they can develop at any age, they are most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 20 and 40 , which is during their childbearing years.
What are the symptoms of this?
Most of the time, paraovarian cysts don't cause any symptoms . But if they do, it's usually because the cyst has grown a little and is causing pressure inside your abdomen. This pressure can feel like a dull ache or a slow, stabbing pain in your lower abdomen. Sometimes, it can even be a sharp pain .
Does a paraovarian cyst cause pain?
Yes, it can. Pain can occur, especially when the tumor grows and presses on other organs in the abdomen. Sometimes, without pain, you may feel a feeling of heaviness, discomfort, or a feeling of something filling your stomach. This also happens if the tumor is quite large.
Why do these paraovarian cysts form?
These are formed when a portion of the protective tissue layer called the broad ligament, which surrounds the organs of your reproductive system , such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes, forms a sac-like structure and fluid collects inside. Most often, these cysts form in the middle layer of the broad ligament.
Think about it, when you were a fetus in your mother's womb, the parts of your reproductive system (fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, upper part of the vagina) developed from a system of paired ducts called Müllerian ducts . So, as these organs develop, it is believed that the little pieces left over from those Müllerian ducts later develop into cysts within this broad ligament. Simply put, these are little leftover pieces that were there before you were even born.
What are the complications of this condition?
Usually, if a paraovarian cyst is asymptomatic or not at risk of complications, no treatment is needed. However, sometimes complications can occur. These include:
- Enlargement: Most paraovarian cysts range in size from 1 to 8 centimeters (0.5 to a little over 3 inches). They are usually asymptomatic when young. However, very rarely, some can grow to be as large as 20 centimeters (almost 8 inches)! When they get this big, they can press on the abdominal organs and cause symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, constipation, and frequent urination. Larger cysts are at higher risk of other complications, such as torsion or rupture.
- Torsion: Large tumors are more likely to become twisted . If they become twisted, they can cause symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, lower back pain, fever, and vomiting . Depending on the location of the tumor, this twisting can even twist the fallopian tubes. This can cut off the blood and oxygen supply to those areas, causing permanent tissue damage.
This is a medical emergency! If a tumor ruptures, it is essential to seek immediate treatment.
- Rupture: A cyst can burst and cause internal bleeding.
- Cancer: This is very, very rare. This means that the likelihood of a paraovarian cyst becoming malignant is very low. Even if there are solid parts (tumors) in a cyst, they are more likely to be benign.
How to diagnose a paraovarian cyst?
Most people find out they have a cyst like this when a doctor does a pelvic exam or an ultrasound scan . Ultrasound is a method of taking pictures of your reproductive organs and other things in your abdominal cavity, such as tumors. These can also be found with an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) test.
If you have symptoms of an enlarged cyst, such as lower abdominal pain, your doctor may order a transvaginal ultrasound . This uses the same technology as a regular ultrasound. However, a small device called a transducer is inserted through the vagina to look for cysts. This allows the ovaries and surrounding areas to be seen clearly.
Sometimes, your doctor may want to remove the cyst to check if it's just fluid (a simple cyst) or if it's solid (like a tumor). But your doctor will decide whether to do this. Most of the time, it's not necessary.
How are paraovarian cysts treated?
Most paraovarian cysts are harmless and don't need treatment. However, in rare cases — if you're at risk of complications from the cyst, or if there's a small chance it could be cancerous — your doctor may remove it. Here are some management and treatment options:
- Expectant management: This means that your cyst does not require any follow-up. This is if your cyst is not harmful, has no symptoms, and is not at risk of complications. This is the most common response to paraovarian cysts.
- Surveillance: Your cyst is most likely harmless, but if there is a small risk of a complication such as enlargement or cancer, your doctor may order an ultrasound scan or blood test to learn more about the cyst. This means keeping an eye on it for a while.
- Surgery: If your cyst is causing symptoms or is at risk of complications, surgical removal of the cyst is an option.
Surgical methods
The most common surgery to remove a paraovarian cyst is a laparoscopic cystectomy . This involves making several very small incisions in your abdomen and inserting a camera and fine instruments through them to remove the cyst. Some people also call this "keyhole surgery."
What to expect if you have a paraovarian cyst?
Most likely, you will find out about this cyst by chance when you go to see your doctor for something else. Your doctor will tell you if it needs to be monitored or if other tests need to be done. Most likely, a paraovarian cyst is a harmless tumor that does not have a major impact on your life.
Will this cyst go away on its own?
Yes, most of the time they go away on their own without any problems. But very rarely, some of them can get bigger and twist. If that happens, your doctor can remove them.
Can paraovarian cysts be prevented?
Unfortunately, there's no way to prevent these from forming. But the good news is that they're often low-risk tumors that you don't need to worry about.
When should I see my doctor?
Don't miss your annual gynecological exam, starting at age 15 or after you become sexually active. If you notice any new symptoms, tell your doctor about them at your annual checkup. Although a paraovarian cyst is usually not a problem, your doctor can make sure you're not at risk for complications.
When should I go to the Emergency Department (ETU) ?
As mentioned earlier, if a cyst twists (torsion) it is a medical emergency. You should seek help immediately. The symptoms are:
- A sudden sharp pain in the stomach.
- Pain that starts in the lower back and radiates.
- A severe pain that comes with a feeling of dizziness and nausea.
If you experience these symptoms, don't delay, go to the hospital immediately.
What is the difference between an ovarian cyst and a paraovarian cyst?
Paraovarian cysts form near the ovary, not on or inside it. However, both types of cysts can look the same on scans and often cause similar symptoms. Complications can be similar, and they can sometimes be removed with the same surgical procedures.
But there are a few key differences.
Ovarian cysts often form in response to hormonal changes in your body. However, paraovarian cysts do not respond to hormones. Some research suggests that paraovarian cysts are more likely to rupture than ovarian cysts.
Are paraovarian cysts cancerous?
It's possible, but it's extremely rare. There are very few reported cases of these cysts turning into cancer.
So, if your doctor finds a paraovarian cyst on an ultrasound scan , don't panic. It's likely something left over from your reproductive system developing before you were born. It's most likely harmless. Your doctor will tell you whether or not it needs to be removed.
The most important things for you to remember (Take-Home Message)
Okay, so let's summarize some of the things you need to remember from what we've talked about:
- A paraovarian cyst is a type of fluid-filled cyst that forms near the ovary and is often harmless.
- Often these do not cause any symptoms.
- These develop from some tissue that existed before you were born.
- Complications are rare, but they can occur, such as tumor enlargement, torsion, or rupture. A tumor rupture is a medical emergency!
- Often, no treatment is needed. Observation or, if necessary, surgical removal is all that is needed.
- These have a very low risk of becoming cancerous.
- If you have any unusual symptoms (such as lower abdominal pain, cramping), or if you miss your annual gynecological exam, see a doctor.
So, I hope this information is helpful to you. Remember, the most important thing is to be aware of your body and your health. If you have any questions or doubts, don't be afraid to talk to a doctor.
` Paraovarian Cyst, Paraovarian Cyst, Ovarian Cyst, Women's Health, Gynecology, Abdominal Pain, Cyst
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