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Many women experience ovarian cysts. They usually do not need to be treated because they are usually harmless. However, complex ovarian cysts are less common and more cause for concern. Complex ovarian cysts are different than simple ones in that they can consist of both solid and liquid matter. The three common types of complex ovarian cysts are dermoid cysts, endometiomas, and cystdenomas.

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.

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 caused 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.

Developing from ovarian tissue, cystadenomas are complex ovarian cysts that can be filled mainly with liquid and have a tendency to twist in the ovary producing sever pain. There are two different types of cystadenomas, serous and mucinous. Serous are filled with a thin fluid and are know to grow between 2 and 6 inches in diameter. Mucinous on the other hand have a core of thick, gelatin like liquid and grow 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.

A diagnosis of ovarian cysts is typically reached after a pelvic examination is conducted. Doctors will frequently confirm such a diagnosis with a pelvic ultrasound. Pregnancy or other factors should be ruled out beforehand. Once you have received a confirmed diagnosis of a complex ovarian cyst, you should 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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