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What Is the Treatment for Peritoneal Cyst?

Dan Harkins
Dan Harkins

Peritoneal cysts are typically benign masses of tissue that can form around the ovaries of still-fertile women, particularly after invasive pelvic surgery, injury or infection. Even though this condition can cause persistent pain, many doctors take a slow approach since the tissue usually is not malignant. When pain persists, a surgical excision may be used to remove a peritoneal cyst. In many cases, however, draining the cyst and taking contraceptive medication can ease painful symptoms.

When peritoneal fluid is not absorbed, it accumulates in and around the ovaries. This is further perpetuated when neighboring tissue becomes inflamed, and the body then produces even more peritoneal fluid to be trapped within a growing cyst. When a peritoneal cyst is suspected after a physical examination, doctors will confirm suspicions with an ultrasound, which easily reveals whether peritoneal growths have set up shop next to either ovary.

The presence of peritoneal cysts could indicate a case of endometriosis.
The presence of peritoneal cysts could indicate a case of endometriosis.

The treatment a doctor will recommend for a peritoneal cyst varies depending on a handful of factors, such as age, the severity of the pain, and whether the woman wants more children in the future. A key factor that many physicians bring up when discussing treatment with patients is how reappearance occurs in as many as half of all those who undergo surgical excision. Many immediately recommend birth control, however, to remove the ovarian impulse and shut down most production of peritoneal fluid. Pain medication often accompanies prescribed contraception in the baseline of treatment.

A peritoneal cyst can develop for several reasons.
A peritoneal cyst can develop for several reasons.

Invasive or non-invasive surgeries are possible, depending on the location and severity of the growths. An arthroscopic procedure allows doctors to make tiny incisions and drain cysts of much of the fluid that gives them bulk. This is not sufficient for some, especially for those who worry about losing fertility. These patients decide instead on a more invasive procedure to actually dislodge and remove the cyst. In other cases, especially when pain persists and having babies is no longer a goal, doctors recommend a hysterectomy to immediately put an end to the cysts and accompanying pain.

Peritoneal cysts are typically benign masses of tissue that form around the ovaries of still-fertile women.
Peritoneal cysts are typically benign masses of tissue that form around the ovaries of still-fertile women.

This reproductive condition, also referred to as a peritoneal inclusion cyst or post-operative peritoneal cyst, cannot happen to all woman. Those who have passed menopause are safe, since a condition for developing a peritoneal cyst is active ovaries. Another condition for these growths developing is problems with peritoneal absorption, commonly brought on by trauma, a previous surgical procedure, conditions like endometriosis, or even an invasive infection.

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    • The presence of peritoneal cysts could indicate a case of endometriosis.
      By: ryanking999
      The presence of peritoneal cysts could indicate a case of endometriosis.
    • A peritoneal cyst can develop for several reasons.
      By: Zsolnai Gergely
      A peritoneal cyst can develop for several reasons.
    • Peritoneal cysts are typically benign masses of tissue that form around the ovaries of still-fertile women.
      By: pankajstock123
      Peritoneal cysts are typically benign masses of tissue that form around the ovaries of still-fertile women.
    • Ovarian cysts may be detected via ultrasound.
      By: acherst
      Ovarian cysts may be detected via ultrasound.
    • The presence of an ovarian cyst may cause abnormal vaginal discharge.
      By: Dragos Iliescu
      The presence of an ovarian cyst may cause abnormal vaginal discharge.
    • MRI scans can be used to diagnose and monitor peritoneal cysts.
      By: Draguta
      MRI scans can be used to diagnose and monitor peritoneal cysts.
    • The ovary is a ductless, reproductive gland where the female reproductive cells are produced.
      By: 7activestudio
      The ovary is a ductless, reproductive gland where the female reproductive cells are produced.