Most ovarian cysts are functional in nature and harmless (benign).[1][2]
Ovarian cysts affect women of all ages. They occur most often, however, during a woman's childbearing years.
Some ovarian cysts cause problems, such as bleeding and pain. Surgery may be required to remove cysts larger than 5 centimeters in diameter.
Functional cysts form as a normal part of the menstrual cycle. Such cysts may include:
"History of previous ovarian cysts
Irregular menstrual cycles"
The following are risk factors for developing ovarian cysts:
"A cyst is a fluid-filled sac. In most cases a cyst on the ovary does no harm and goes away by itself. Most women have them sometime during their lives. Cysts are rarely cancerous in women under 50. Cysts sometimes hurt - but not always. Often, a woman finds out about a cyst when she has a pelvic exam.
If you're in your childbearing years or past menopause, have no symptoms, and have a fluid-filled cyst, you may choose to monitor the cyst. You may need surgery if you have pain, are past menopause or if the cyst does not go away. Birth control pills can help prevent new cysts."
"Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or CT scans, of your abdomen and pelvis. These tests can help determine the size, shape and structure of your ovaries.
Blood test, which can detect a protein (CA 125) found on the surface of ovarian cancer cells.
Surgery to remove a tissue sample and abdominal fluid to confirm a diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Minimally invasive or robotic surgery may be an option. If cancer is discovered, the surgeon may immediately begin surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible."
Beginning in February, large nonhuman subjects have received weekly injections of cancer cells into their livers, creating a consistent model in a "controlled environment." This month, the subjects will undergo MRIs to determine whether they now have liver cancer.
If affirmative, the Kanzius noninvasive radio-wave cancer treatment will be administered, allowing data to be collected and analyzed. The success of these tests is mandatory to move forward in approaching the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and ultimately advancing to human trials.
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