The Bilateral Ovarian Cysts
Bilateral ovarian cysts are independent sacs of fluid that form on both ovaries at the same time. Considered a rare medical condition that can necessitate surgery, these ovarian cysts can cause a variety of signs and symptoms prior to their detection. Serious complications can occur if the cysts rupture, including ovarian torsion.
The ovaries are organs that are a part of a woman’s reproductive system. They are bilateral which means there are two of them with one on each side of the uterus. Sometimes, women develop cysts on one of their ovaries and occasionally, cysts will form on both ovaries at one time. Bilateral ovarian cysts can be different types of cysts just like single cysts.
Bilateral ovarian cysts that are choroid plexus cysts can be a normal phenomenon that occurs in fetuses during pregnancy and can regress spontaneously. Their occurrence is only about one percent and they have been shown to have a connection with genetic problems like trisomy 18 and trisomy 21.
They may be a marker for other types of chromosomal problems, as well. When these cysts occur with accompanying indications, amniocentesis may be advised by your physician although the cysts themselves will usually disappear by the 23rd week.
Other bilateral ovarian cysts that may be present in women can include dermoid cysts. This type of cyst contains cells and may be filled with fat or other tissues like hair, bone, and cartilage.
No one knows exactly why any of these cysts occur and the only difference between other cysts and these is that the bilateral ones occur on both ovaries. In a condition known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), there are multiple cysts on each ovary. These can affect your menstrual cycle, your ability to have children, hormone levels, your cardiovascular system and even your appearance due to the high levels of male hormones that can accompany the condition.
While most types of cysts are benign and disappear on their own, some types can endanger your ability to reproduce and bilateral ovarian cysts of this type can mean damage occurs to both ovaries and reduces the likelihood of reproducing.
Theca lutein cysts are usually bilateral and they result in massive ovarian enlargement. This type of bilateral ovarian cysts is caused by luteinization and hypertrophy of the internal cell layer in response to excessive stimulation of a type of gonadotropin. While these types of cysts can occur with gestational trophoblastic disease, they are also seen with multiple gestations. They are also associated with maternal androgen excess in about 30% of cases but also usually resolve themselves spontaneously as the gonadotropin level falls.
The majority of unilateral or bilateral ovarian cysts are not cancerous and are actually quite common. They are more common in younger women but you can develop them before or after menopause. Most of these cysts have a very low chance of turning to cancer and monitoring them is the only requirement for the majority of cases.
Regular blood tests can be used to determine if the protein that is detected in ovarian cancer, CA125, is detected. However, this test is not specific for cancer and can be positive for ovarian cysts and other illnesses. Depending on the size of the cysts, their appearance on a scan, and whether they change over time may indicate to your physician that other precautions or tests may need to be made.
Fortunately, the majority of unilateral and bilateral ovarian cysts will disappear on their own within a few months. Even when cysts disappear, they are likely to recur later on. However, since nearly all of the cysts are benign, there is little concern for the majority of cases.