What are the options and costs involved to definitively detect ovarian cysts? (photo)

Doctor's Answers 1

There are a lot of women with cysts in their ovaries in which they are not aware of as they remain asymptomatic. These ovarian cysts are usually detected when women come forward for their routine gynaecology check-up or when they have symptoms like pelvic pain or abnormal vaginal bleeding.

The best and cheapest way to diagnose them is via a pelvic ultrasound scan. The other but more expensive ways include MRI or CT scans. Their appearance on these scans can help us differentiate as to whether these ovarian cysts are likely to be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

The presence of these ovarian cysts can also be confirmed by undergoing a diagnostic laparoscopy (key-hole surgery) which is performed as a day surgery procedure. These cysts can be surgically removed (therapeutic laparoscopic cystectomy) and the cyst can then be sent for histology to distinguish the nature of the cyst.

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