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Title : Pathophysiology
The Biologic Basis for Disease in Adults and Children
Author: Kathryn L. McCance
Sue E. Huether
5th Edition
Topic: Unit VII
Benign growth and Proliferative Conditions
Benign Ovarian Cysts
Page: 790
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Benign cysts of the ovary may occur at any time during the life span, but are most common
during the reproductive years and in particular, at the extremes of those years. An increase in
benign ovarian cysts occurs when hormonal imbalances are more common, around puberty and
menopause.

Functional cysts are caused by variations of normal physiologic events; the two common causes
of benign ovarian enlargement in ovulating women are follicular cysts and corpus luteum
cysts. They are typically 5-6 cm in diameter but can grow as large as 8 to 10 cm. benign cysts of
the ovary are produced when the follicle or a number of follicles are stimulated but no
dominant follicle develops and completes the maturity process.

Follicular cysts can caused by transient condition in which the dominant follicle fails to rupture
or one or more of the nondominant follicles fail to regress. Follicular cysts can vary in size and
symptoms from one episode to the next. Often, follicular cysts will recur. Most follicular cysts
are fluid filled; the more solid an ovarian cysts, the greater the chance of malignancy.

Corpus luteum cysts may develop because of a hormonal imbalance in low LH and progesterone
levels causing an in adequate development of the corpus luteum. Corpus luteum cysts are less
common than the follicular cysts but luteal cysts typically cause more symptoms, particularly if
they rupture, they usually regress spontaneously in non pregnant women. Oral contraceptives
may be used to prevent cysts from forming in the future.

Delmoid cysts are ovarian teratomas that contain elements of all three germ layers: they are
common ovarian neoplasms; they are usually asymptomatic and are found incidentally on
pelvic examinations. Deltoid cysts have malignant and should be removed.

Torsion of the ovary may occur as a complication of ovarian cysts or tumors or enlargement of
the ovary associated with infertility treatments. Ovarian torsion is rare but is a gynecologic
emergency when present.
 
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The kind of benign growth is a fluid-filled sac called a cyst. Many women, even in their 20s,
develop ovarian cysts. Cysts sometimes disappear without treatment; in other cases, they must
be removed surgically. The factors that increase the chances of the development of getting the
disease are that if Women with a close female relative (a mother, sister, or daughter) who has
ovarian cysts have an increased risk of developing the disease. Having two close relatives with
the disease increases the risk even more.

Giving birth appears to reduce a woman͛s chances of developing ovarian cysts; possibly
because pregnancy reduces the number of times a woman ovulates (releases an egg). Women
who have never been pregnant have a higher risk than women who have had a child. Having
several pregnancies seems to further lower a woman͛s risk for the disease.

Women should be aware of the possibilities especially if the family history suggests it. Early
detection ,yearly physical exams are needed and its the best way to avoid such diseases to
develop because cysts do not usually present symptoms unless it is benign or even worst it
becomes a tumor.