Ovarian cysts are relatively common for most women. Generally they are considered to be harmless and do not require any special treatment. However, the types known collectively as complex ovarian cysts, are significantly less common and represent a health hazard to women. Complex ovarian cysts are given this name because, unlike the simple variety of cyst, they have both solid and liquid components. Complex ovarian cysts can be broken down into three common types: dermoid cysts, endometrioma, and cystadenomas.

A dermoid cyst develops from cells that produce human eggs, known as the ova. Since these are non-differentiated cells that can develop into any human tissue, dermoid cysts can contain a variety of tissue including hair, skin and teeth. Although dermoid cysts can be very painful as they grow larger and twist the ovaries, they are rarely cancerous.

Endometrioma is a type of complex ovarian cyst resulting from the condition of endometriosis. A woman with this condition have uterine cells that grow outside of the uterus, often attaching themselves to an ovary and forming a growth after a series of menstrual cycles. Endometrial cysts can grow until they become as large as a grapefruit. Endometriosis may be partly genetic. It is marked by pain before and after menstrual periods and during sex, as well as fatigue, pain with urination and bowel movements, and irregular menstrual periods.

Cystadenomas fall within the category of the complex ovarian cyst. They can cause intense pain if they become tangled in the ovary. There are two different types of Cystadenomas. A serous cystadenoma is generally somewhere between 2 to 6 inches in diameter and is filled with a thin liquid. A mucinous cystadenoma, on the other hand, is filled with a gluey, thick gelatinous liquid. The size of a mucinous cystadenoma can be anywhere from 6 to 12 inches in diameter.

Though complex ovarian cysts often produce painful, noticeable symptoms as they become large, these symptoms can resemble the symptoms of endometriosis or ectopic pregnancy. However, individuals with complex ovarian cysts often experience pelvic pain, before and after their monthly period and during sexual intercourse. They may also have menstrual irregularities such as an absent period or abnormal bleeding. Other symptoms for complex ovarian cysts resemble symptoms of pregnancy, such as tenderness in the breasts, vomiting, and nausea. Severe abdominal and pelvic pain requires medical attention.

An initial diagnosis of ovarian cysts is done by taking a manual pelvic examination. To confirm the initial diagnosis a pelvic ultrasound may also be taken. Pregnancy or other factors should be ruled out beforehand by taking a pregnancy test. If you have been diagnosed with a complex ovarian cyst, it is imperative that you contact your physician whenever you experience severe pain in either the abdomen or in the pelvis.

When ovarian cysts are found to be complex, these cysts must be evaluated for cancer. Although not all complex ovarian cysts are cancerous, doctors must rule this out through a series of tests. Often medical professionals take the individual’s age and symptoms into account when making their final diagnosis.

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