| Twisted ovarian cyst, also known as "ovarian torsion," | | | | with color Doppler analysis is a preferred method of |
| occurs when an ovarian cyst twists on its stalk cutting | | | | diagnosis as it shows changes in the nature of an |
| off or restricting blood supply to the cyst, the ovary | | | | ovary. The best method is laparoscopy which involves |
| and at times to the fallopian tubes. The ovaries have | | | | making small incisions around the belly button and |
| two sources of blood supply, venous and arterial, and | | | | inserting a laparoscope into the abdomen which will |
| when torsion occurs to an ovary the blood returning | | | | reveal the image of what is going on inside on a |
| from the ovary through the vein is reduced. Cysts that | | | | screen so it is more definite. |
| are larger than 4 centimeters are more likely to twist. | | | | Treatment - A twisted ovarian cyst is treated through |
| A cyst that is accompanied by a tumor has a greater | | | | surgery, using laparoscopy or laparotomy. Depending |
| potential of twisting. It usually happens in one ovary at | | | | on the extent of the torsion, the ovary can be |
| a time though it can affect both ovaries simultaneously. | | | | untwisted, but if the twist is too extensive the ovary |
| It can occur in women irrespective of age, but it's more | | | | will have to be removed. |
| common in women under the age of 30 and at times it | | | | Complications - If a twisted ovarian cyst is not taken |
| happens to pregnant women. In rare cases, a twisted | | | | care of quickly blood supply into and out of the ovary |
| ovarian cyst occurs as a result of complications of IVF | | | | may be cut off resulting in the death of ovarian tissue, |
| treatment. | | | | (ovarian necrosis). When ovarian necrosis occurs it |
| Symptoms - The symptoms can be vague and similar | | | | affects fertility because dead ovarian tissue cannot |
| to that of other medical conditions like appendicitis, | | | | produce eggs and without eggs pregnancy, of course, |
| ectopic pregnancy and ruptured corpus luteum cyst. | | | | cannot take place. When ovarian necrosis has |
| These symptoms can include pelvic pain, severe pain | | | | occurred the ovary will definitely need to be removed. |
| in the lower abdomen, nausea and vomiting. | | | | If only one ovary is removed, pregnancy is still possible |
| Diagnosis - Twisted ovarian cyst can be diagnosed | | | | though it reduces the chances of conception thereby |
| with laboratory tests but these are not too reliable as | | | | limiting fertility. |
| the results can be confused with leukocytosis, which is | | | | Ovarian torsion can also cause blood clotting in the |
| an abnormal increase in the number of white blood | | | | ovarian blood vessels which could result in even |
| cells in the blood as a result of infection. Ultrasound | | | | further complications. |