It is not unusual for women to develop ovarian cysts. In many cases these cysts are relatively harmless, have no symptoms and will disappear without the need for any special treatment. In some cases, however, a cyst is defined as a complex ovarian cyst. While these types of cyst are less common they can be harmful to a women’s health and need to be treated. Complex ovarian cysts are given this name because, in contrast to simple ovarian cysts, they are made up of solid and liquid elements. These growths fall into three main categories: cystadenomas, dermoid cysts and endometrioma.

The ova, cells that form human eggs, can develop a form of complex ovarian cyst called a “dermoid cyst.” Dermoid cysts can contain hair, teeth, and/or skin; this is because they have the potential to become any kind of tissue in a human since they are “non-differentiated cells.” While they are usually non-cancerous, dermoid cysts can become very large and result in pain by causing the ovaries to become twisted.

Some women with endometriosis can develop a form of complex ovarian cyst known as endometrioma. The effect of such a cyst is a growth of uterine cells outside of the uterus which usually clings to an ovary and grows over the course of several menstrual cycles. Endometrioma can grow in size to that comparable with a grapefruit. They may be develop in part by genetics. Symptoms include pain before and after menstruating, pain during intercourse, fatigue, pain upon voiding, pain with bowel movements, and menstrual periods that are irregular.

Cystadenomas are a complex ovarian cyst affecting ovarian tissue. . Liquid-filled cystadenomas can cause pain if the ovaries become twisted from their development. There are two types of cystadenomas. Serous cystadenomas contain a thin liquid and can grow to 2-6 inches in diameter. In comparison, the liquid in a mucinous cystadenoma is sticky and gelatinous. Mucinous cystadenomas may grow as large as 6-12 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.

The diagnosis for complex ovarian cysts is generally done via a manual pelvic examination from your health care provider. Another method is to use pelvic ultrasounds on a frequent basis to support the original diagnosis. The initial examination requires that the women undergo a pregnancy test as well as a blood test to rule out pregnancy as a possible reason for the symptoms.  It is important that individuals take the diagnosis of a complex ovarian cyst seriously, contacting their health care provider whenever they experience severe pain in the abdomen and pelvic area.

A woman’s age and symptoms are sometimes considered in making a diagnosis of complex ovarian cysts. Although not all ovarian cysts are cancerous, complex ovarian cysts must be tested to rule out cancer and to determine an appropriate course of treatment.