When a woman is diagnosed with an ovarian cyst, it is most often a functional cyst and nothing to be alarmed about. They are harmless and usually resolve themselves in time. Complex cysts, on the other hand, are less common and require more serious attention.

An ovarian cyst occurs when the development and release of the egg during your monthly cycle does not occur in the usual fashion. The follicle that produces the hormones necessary to encourage the egg to release does not form properly. Fluid accumulates in the sealed off sac and becomes a cyst. They are known as "functional" cysts because they develop during a woman's normal cycle.

A complex ovarian cyst is a cyst that is filled with both solid and liquid contents. There are three different types of complex cysts and each form in a different way. The symptoms and the treatment are also unique to each type.

Dermoid Cysts

A Dermoid cyst is a complex cyst that develops from the actual cells that create the egg and are therefore capable of developing the tissue that makes up the human body. As a result, a Dermoid cyst can contain skin, hair and teeth in addition to the normal that is usually part of a cyst. These cysts are almost never cancerous but they can be extremely painful and grow quite large.

Endometrioma

Endometriosis is a condition where the uterine cells grow outside of the uterus. An endometrioma is a type of complex cyst that often develops as a result of endometriosis where the uterine cells form a growth that attaches to an ovary. Controlling the endometriosis can sometimes also minimize the growth of cysts.

Cystadenomas

Cystadenomas is a complex cyst that forms on the surface of the ovary. It is filled with mucous and liquid and can grow extremely large. It can cause your ovary to twist and cause severe pain. They are generally benign.

Symptoms of Complex Cysts

Complex cysts can go unnoticed unless it is a very large cyst. It is sometimes misdiagnosed as the symptoms are similar to other conditions such as an ectopic pregnancy or endometriosis.

One of the most common symptoms of a cyst is an irregular menstrual cycle. Pain in the pelvic region that may radiate into the buttocks and thighs is another symptom.

There may be extreme pain during intercourse and right before menstruation begins. Sometimes the symptoms may be similar to the symptoms of pregnancy. Tender breasts, nausea, vomiting and a heavy feeling in the abdomen are all symptoms of a cyst.

Treatment Options for Complex Cysts

The most common traditional treatment for a complex cyst is surgery. It is generally recommended both to relieve discomfort and to perform a biopsy on the tissue. Even though complex cysts are not typically cancerous they are an instance of abnormal tissue growth and traditional medical practice is to perform a test to rule it out.

Even though a cyst of any type should be evaluated by your doctor a holistic approach to treating complex cysts can be extremely beneficial. It speeds healing before and after surgery and can help eliminate a future recurrance of a complex cyst.

Receiving a diagnosis that you have a complex cyst is often very unsettling. Taking positive countermeasures on your own can help you regain a sense of control over the situation. There are many positive holistic treatments you can undertake at home on your own that will work well in conjunction with the recommendations of your physician.