Patient's question:
Right chocolate cyst exceeds 5 cm, endometriosis.Doctor's answer:
Okay, here is the English translation of the provided text, following your instructions:1. What is an Ovarian Cyst
An ovarian cyst refers to a sac-like mass that appears on the ovary. The exact cause of ovarian cysts is not yet fully clear. Ovarian cysts are a type of ovarian tumor and can be benign or malignant. Therefore, the first step after discovering this condition is to confirm whether it is benign or malignant. Additionally, it should be noted that sometimes the ovary may show changes similar to a cyst but it is not actually a cyst, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), corpus luteum cysts, or endometriosis affecting the ovary. Although these conditions may also cause lumps on the ovary, they are different from ovarian cysts.
2. Causes of Ovarian Cysts
1. Stagnation of Qi and Blood: During the menstrual period or after childbirth, if exposed to cold, it can lead to blood stagnation due to cold congealing Qi. Alternatively, internal injury from emotional distress, depression, can injure the Liver Qi, causing Qi stagnation. Unsmooth Qi flow leads to stagnation of Qi and Blood, resulting in blood stasis and congealing. If this stagnation persists for a long time, it may transform into cancer.
2. Concretions of Phlegm and Blood Stasis: Excessive worry and pensiveness can injure the Spleen. A damaged Spleen generates Phlegm. Phlegm and fluid accumulate and obstruct Qi flow, causing Qi stagnation and blood stasis. Phlegm and fluid congeal with blood stasis to form lumps. Persistent accumulation of phlegm and blood stasis can lead to cancer.
3. Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Clinically, ovarian cysts often present with symptoms such as lower abdominal pain, lower abdominal discomfort, increased vaginal discharge, yellow vaginal discharge, vaginal odor, and menstrual irregularities. There is usually a solid, painless lump in the lower abdomen. Pain during intercourse may occur. When the cyst affects hormone production, symptoms like irregular vaginal bleeding or hirsutism (excess hair growth) may appear. If the cyst twists, severe symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, abdominal distension, difficulty breathing, decreased appetite, nausea, and fever may occur. Larger cysts can compress nearby structures, causing frequent urination and difficulty urinating. Especially when these symptoms are severe, bleeding is frequent, and multiple symptoms appear simultaneously, the likelihood of having an ovarian cyst is higher. Malignant ovarian cancer poses a greater threat.
4. Diagnosis of Ovarian Cysts
Advanced diagnostic techniques such as color Doppler ultrasound, X-ray examinations, and laparoscopy allow for the early diagnosis of ovarian cyst lesions.
5. Treatment Methods for Ovarian Cysts
Currently, there are two main treatment methods: conservative treatment and surgical treatment.
1. Conservative Treatment: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) classifies ovarian cysts under the category of "concretions" (xie). TCM believes that this condition often arises from emotional damage, overexertion during sexual activity, or external invasions by " Six Evils" (pathogenic factors) during menstruation or postpartum, leading to obstructed Qi flow, disharmony of Zang-Fu organs, and imbalance of Yin and Yang. Therefore, treatment should involve a comprehensive and holistic analysis based on the overall etiology, applying syndrome differentiation to treat the disease fundamentally.
2. Surgical Treatment:
Benign Ovarian Tumors: The affected ovary containing the tumor needs to be removed. During surgery, the condition of the contralateral (opposite) ovary must be checked. If there is also a tumor on the contralateral ovary, it must be removed simultaneously, followed by a pathological examination. However, recurrence after surgery is common.
Malignant Tumors: Surgery is the primary treatment method. The surgical scope is generally extensive, often involving the removal of the entire uterus, both fallopian tubes and ovaries, and the greater omentum. Postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy are also required.
3. Recent Developments in Treatment: In recent years, electrocautery has become a common international treatment for ovarian cysts, particularly favored by patients. This therapy primarily uses a navigation device with sonographic, imaging, and 3D scanning functions to stereoscopically locate the ovary and cyst within the pelvic cavity. Micro-electrodes are then inserted into the cyst cavity. After measuring the cellular components and nature of the deposits within the cavity, the fluid is aspirated. Subsequently, a factor is introduced, which uses ionization to cause the cyst...