In the article we will consider a mucinous ovarian cyst.
If a hormonal failure occurs in a woman's body at a certain stage of the ovulatory process, a benign formation in the form of a cyst may occur in the ovary, which is a kind of bubble filled with liquid contents.
Ovarian cysts come in several varieties:
- functional - luteal and follicular;
- endometrioid;
- dermoid;
- paraovarian;
- serous;
- mucinous.
Some cystic formations disappear on their own after a few menstrual cycles or drug therapy, others require surgery.
General characteristics of this pathology
A mucinous ovarian cyst (cystadenoma) is an epithelial variety of a benign ovarian cyst. The contents of this neoplasm consists of a mucous fluid - mucin, which is produced by epithelial cells. Similarthe tumor can grow to a huge size, in the initial stages it develops without any symptoms and is usually found on an ultrasound scan or at a gynecologist's appointment. With a significant increase in size, the tumor is manifested by pulling pains, frequent urination, a feeling of heaviness in the intestines, and a violation of the stool.
Distinguishing features of ovarian disease
The main distinguishing features of an ovarian mucinous cyst are:
- Oval or round shape.
- Most often - a multi-chamber structure, that is, the presence of partitions in the cyst.
- Bumpy surface.
- Strong growth.
- May reach 40 cm in diameter.
- This cyst occurs in about 20% of cases.
- Possible transformation into an oncological tumor.
The ovarian mucinous cyst is characterized by a predisposition to degeneration into a cancerous tumor. If it is detected, the woman needs immediate treatment.
Causes of this form of cyst
A reliable cause of the development of a mucinous cyst of the left ovary or the right can only be established by a specialist, however, the prerequisites for this pathological process may be as follows:
- Hormonal disorders in the female body, provoked by the lack of ovulation, early onset of menstruation, etc.
- Inflammatory processes of a chronic nature in the reproductive organs (adnexitis, endometriosis, inflammation of the body of the uterus, fibroids, etc.).
- Violationmetabolic processes, obesity, diabetes can also be causes of cysts.
- Abortion.
- Climacteric changes.
- Hereditary predisposition of the genetic form or congenital, formed at the stage of embryo development.
- Incorrect use of intrauterine contraceptives, poor-quality installation of the spiral.
- Weakened immune defenses.
Diagnosis of this pathology
A photo of a mucinous ovarian cyst can scare not only the faint of heart. However, at the initial stages of occurrence, this disease may not manifest itself clinically, and is very often detected during a routine ultrasound scan or at a gynecologist's appointment. Symptoms of the development of this benign formation appear as it grows and are characterized by the following signs:
- abdominal enlargement;
- aching, pulling pains in the central part of the abdomen, or only on one side, in the region of the ovary;
- difficulty urinating, frequent urination;
- constant feeling of fullness in the intestines;
- constipation;
- nausea;
- excessive fatigue, weakness.
If you experience such symptoms, you should consult a specialist. Such clinical phenomena may mean that the cystic formation has already reached a large size and the compression of neighboring organs and nearby blood vessels begins.
The best way to diagnose this pathologicalprocess at an early stage - preventive examinations at the gynecologist once every six months.
In addition to ultrasound and external symptomatic signs, the following methods are used in diagnosis:
- conducting laboratory blood tests to determine the oncomarker CA-125;
- two-handed gynecological examination of the ovarian zone;
- Magnetic resonance or computed tomography.
Performing a diagnostic laparoscopy is a good way to definitively establish the type of benign lesion.
Possible complications of such formations
Like other types of ovarian cysts, mucinous cysts can cause the following complications:
- development of a malignant process;
- infertility;
- leg twist;
- miscarriage;
- rupture of cystic formation.
The above complications can be caused by the following factors:
- late diagnosis of disease;
- heavy physical activity;
- pregnancy;
- psycho-emotional overload.
Treatment of ovarian mucinous cysts
When such an ovarian neoplasm occurs, in most cases, a complex therapeutic approach is used, consisting of two stages:
- surgical removal of a pathological neoplasm;
- conservative treatment in the form of hormone therapy.
Before prescribing treatment for a patient, a specialist must conduct a histological diagnosis of the tumor, i.e., make sure it is benign and exclude the development of an oncological process.
Preparation for surgical treatment of pathology
Before the operation to remove the mucinous cyst of the right ovary or the left, the patient undergoes some preparatory procedures and undergoes a number of laboratory tests:
- general and biochemical blood tests;
- general urinalysis;
- blood test for the determination of oncomarkers CA 125;
- STD research;
- smear for microflora and cytological examination of a smear from the cervix;
- determination of the Rh factor and blood type;
- clotting analysis;
- gynecological examination of the vagina through colposcopy;
- endometrial biopsy.
Immediately before surgery, you must:
- get a consultation with an anesthesiologist;
- cleanse the intestines with an enema;
- remove groin hair;
- refuse to drink and eat.
In addition, a very important aspect of preoperative preparation is the psychological mood of the patient. It should be borne in mind that this type of cystic formations is treated only by removal, and the sooner this happens, the less negative consequences can be for the woman's body.
Performing laparoscopy
Laparoscopic surgery is considered one of the least traumatic types of surgery. The work is carried out using thin instruments and a small video camera, which are inserted into the abdominal cavity through minor incisions on the body.
The whole manipulation takes place under general anesthesia. In a similar way, even large neoplasms can be removed. Before extraction, the tumor is placed in a sealed package, emptied in it, and only after that it is removed outside. The patient's condition is monitored throughout the surgical treatment.
The advantage of this technique is as follows:
- a couple of hours after the intervention, the woman can walk, eat;
- Three days after the manipulation, with positive dynamics, the patient is discharged home.
Recovery period
The process of rehabilitation after surgical treatment of a mucinous cyst of the right ovary or the left takes, as a rule, no more than a month. Small incisions on the body heal very quickly, minimizing the risk of wound infection. If necessary, a woman is prescribed antibacterial medications.
General recommendations for patients at the stage of rehabilitation:
- eliminate excessive physical activity, including sports training;
- do not lift heavy objects;
- limit alcohol and hard-to-digest foods;
- in some cases, doctors recommend that patients wear postoperative bandages.
Prognosis for mucinous ovarian cyst
In the case of young nulliparous women, organ-preserving treatment can be carried out. If the tumor on the ovary has not passed into the oncological stage, then the preservation of the reproductive functions of the ovary is possible. In this case, the prognosis for surgical procedures is very favorable.
Women in menopause undergo a complete removal of the uterus and its appendages. Recovery after such an operation takes approximately 2 months.
To avoid recurrences, all patients are recommended to undergo preventive examinations.
Cyst during pregnancy
During pregnancy, the risk of growth or torsion of this pathological neoplasm increases significantly. A planned operation to remove such a tumor in this situation in most cases helps to avoid a lot of complications.
A benign tumor of a mucinous type during pregnancy can provoke a spontaneous miscarriage. Therefore, before conception, it is recommended to undergo an examination, and, if necessary, treatment.
