Disorders in Female Reproductive Anatomy

Ovarian Cysts

Armando MadrigalBrooke PetrekMaribel ZavalaJinelle Abugan

Todd ProutYesenia Vielma

Background

• Ovarian cysts affect women of all ages, but they occur more often during a women’s childbearing years.

• Average age in the U.S is 25.

• Most ovarian cysts are useful in nature and harmless (benign).

Organs Involved: Ovary• The ovaries are a pair of glands on either

side of the uterus. They are about 2 cm in length and 1 cm in width.

• Primary reproductive organ

Ovary

• The gonads of the female

• Serves two essential functions in female reproduction:

1) Development of the female gametes (eggs)

2) The synthesis and release of steroid hormones

Introduction

• An abnormal growth of ovarian follicular tissue.

• Two major kinds of ovarian cysts.

1) Cystic follicles – large fluid-filled sacs formed from unovulated follicles

2) Luteinized cysts – solid masses filled with luteal cells

-Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets within or on the surface of an ovary.

-Women commonly develop cysts of different types and sizes.

-Most ovarian cysts present little or no discomfort and are harmless.

What Is An Ovarian Cyst?

How Are They Detected?

- A simple cyst is very common and often detected on routine pelvic or ultrasound exam.

- More complex cysts need further evaluation in order for doctors to learn more about the cysts and their management based on their:○ Size, structure, timing with

regard to period and to menopause.

What Causes An Ovarian Cyst?

- During menstrual cycle - Ovulation occurs- Before egg is released, a

small cyst forms on the ovary- Egg goes to uterus to be

fertilized- Cyst disappears

Causes

-Luteinized cysts and Cystic follicles often vanish spontaneously

- However, can persist and secrete abnormal steroid hormone amounts

Causes

Possible risk factors for developing ovarian cysts:

- Irregular menstrual cycles- Infertility- History of previous ovarian cysts- Hormonal fluctuation- Women in “childbearing” years

Treatments• Treatments vary with age,

type of symptoms, and size of cyst.

• Doctors will first recommend to wait and be re-examined to see if the cyst goes away on its own.

Treatment• Doctors will also prescribe

birth control pills to alleviate the pain of ovarian cysts.

• The pills prevent ovulation and gives a lower chance of new cysts to form.

Treatment• If cyst does not go away,

or it continues to grow, doctors will advise to get surgery.

• Laparoscapy

– Works for smaller cysts

• Laparotomy

– Used with larger cysts

Are Ovarian Cysts Cancerous?

• Two major kinds of ovarian cysts: cystic follicles and luteinized cysts

• Luteinized cysts are benign tumors (non cancerous)

• If cells are unable to control their multiplication then the cyst is cancer.

• Metastasis: Some cancer cells can remain in place, if they move through the blood or lymphatic system, cancer can appear in other parts of the body, which can be fatal.

• The majority of ovarian cancers are caused by abnormal epithelial cells in the surface of the ovary.

• DNA must be replicated before every cell division• Copying errors can result in mutations.

Preventions● Ovarian cyst cannot be prevented while ovulating.

There is always chance of acquiring ovarian cyst while still ovulating.

● Just because there is no preventing it doesnt mean you cant lower your chances.

● Stated earlier Birth Control prevents ovulation decreasing you chances of getting a cyst, other ways to decrease chances are; pregnancy and breast feeding in the first six months because they pause ovulation and decrease chances of a cyst occurring.

Is it Hereditary or Genetic?● The answer is both. ● Most women in their lifetime get an ovarian cyst.

Hereditary Genetic

● Family History- If your mother or grandmother had an ovarian cyst or ovarian cancer you have a higher risk of developing one.

● There are genetic mutations that can cause a higher risk of development for an ovarian cyst.

● For example: Basal cell nevus syndrome is a genetic mutation that affects the skin, endocrine system, nervous system, eyes, and bone. This genetic mutation causes higher risk of ovarian cyst.