Ovarian Cysts and Infertility: Cystadenoma

Among the various causes of female infertility, ovarian cysts are quite common. While some ovarian cysts don't present an immediate threat to health of the patient's chances of conceiving, some need surgical intervention. Ovarian cysts like Cystadenomas are a potential cause for infertility-linked symptoms and often need surgical removal.

About Cystadenoma

A cystadenoma is also called a cystoma. This is a type of adenoma, a benign tumor that has a tendency to turn malignant. However, malignancy among cystadenomas is rather rare. A cancerous cystadenoma is called a cystadenocarcinoma. A cystadenoma consists of ovarian tissue layering in the shape of a sac that is filled with mucus and other fluids. These are large ovarian cysts and can be painful.

Cystadenomas are often divided as being serous and mucinous. Serous cystadenomas contain a watery fluid and seldom exceed a diameter of six inches. Mucinous cystadenomas consist of a viscous material and can grow much bigger, up to 12 inches in diameter.

Effects of Cystadenoma

Cystadenomas may not always lead to infertility. However, they do present the risk of turning cancerous and hence, treating them is a wise approach. A growing cystadenoma can lead to adhesions in the ovarian tissues that can impair the ovulation cycle and disrupt the secretion of fertility hormones.

Cystadenoma Testing

Simple imaging studies and even X-rays can easily indicate the size of the cyst and whether it is filled with watery fluids or thick matter. Subsequent testing might be done for checking the cancerous nature of cystadenomas.

Surgical Treatment

Ovarian cysts with a watery filling are often surgically dried using aspiration. The fluid contents of the cyst are sucked out and medications are given for ensuring that the cyst doesn't regain its size. For cystadenomas, surgical intervention is usually recommended. Laparoscopy guided surgery is the most common method of removing cystadenomas. The use of a laparoscope allows the surgeon to precisely locate the cyst and remove it entirely. Surgical excision might be delayed in some cases if the doctor wants to establish the extent of obstruction the cyst can induce in terms of disrupting the menstrual cycle and whether it will turn serous. Bigger cystadenomas are usually removed without much delay.

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