What tests are needed to diagnose ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are tumors with an outer shell, containing fluid inside, the disease can occur at any age. This type of tumor is usually quite benign, but in many cases, complications can arise. At this time, it is necessary to remove or have a reasonable treatment plan before the tumor invades the body.
Ovarian cysts are classified into 2 common types: functional cysts and organic cysts:
Functional cysts: are caused by dysfunctional small cysts on either side of the ovary. This type of ovarian cyst has the ability to go away on its own after some time without applying any treatment. Physical cysts: The cause is from normal parenchymal lesions including: water cysts, mucinous cysts and dermoid cysts. These tumors usually grow quietly, increase in size, causing dangerous complications to the patient's health.

Diagnosis of ovarian cyst is based on clinical symptoms including:
Functional symptoms: based on age, family status, birth history, last menstrual day, other functional developments ( if any) according to the patient's description. General symptoms: These symptoms usually have little effect, but there may be complications that require urgent surgical intervention such as tumor torsion, cancer,... In some cases, patients have symptoms. present venous compression leading to edema of the legs. Physical symptoms: Through gynecological examination, speculum examination, then vaginal examination, rectal examination, combined with abdominal examination. After the clinical diagnosis, the patient will be carried out a number of tests (subclinical diagnosis) to rule out unrelated diseases, thereby accurately determining whether or not the existence of the tumor is present and the specific characteristics of the tumor. their properties.
Diagnostic tests for ovarian cysts performed may include:
Pregnancy test : Aims to rule out pregnancy. Because the treatment of ovarian cysts in pregnant patients is completely different from non-pregnant patients. Besides, pregnancy test to differentiate from ectopic pregnancy because the symptoms are very similar.

Ultrasound: Helps to accurately assess tumor status including size, shape, location, preliminary assessment of tumor type. Thereby, it also helps to assess the condition of the abdomen, uterus and other organs in the appendages. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT): MRI helps clarify the ultrasound results while CT is needed for diagnosing the current state of the tumor's ability to spread. CA-125 Serum Test (CA: Cancer Antigen): CA-125 is a protein and is known as a cancer marker. The presence of this protein in the blood indicates the presence of ovarian cyst cells. Check hormone levels: Through a blood count test to check the levels of LH , FSH , estradiol , testosterone in the body. Through diagnostic tests for ovarian cysts, the disease will be detected early, resulting in high treatment efficiency and low risk of complications. Women should take the initiative to have regular gynecological check-ups twice a year to protect their own health and fertility.

Vinmec International General Hospital provides customers with an Ovarian Cancer Screening Package for customers who need periodic screening as well as high risk. The package includes:
Clinical examination to detect increased risk factors for ovarian cancer, detect clinical signs of ovarian cancer, detect suspected lesions in the pelvis , ovary. Transvaginal ultrasound helps to evaluate images of the uterus, ovaries, pelvis, detect cysts and abnormal masses of the ovaries. CA-125 test is a cancer marquer, which will be elevated in the case of ovarian carcinoma. If the probes are abnormal, the positive diagnostic value is up to 23.5%. Additional investigations such as MRI, PET-CT or diagnostic endoscopy may be needed to diagnose cancer.