What is the Difference Between Adnexal Cyst and Ovarian Cyst

Adnexal cyst and ovarian cyst are two types of cysts that can develop in the pelvic region in women. The pelvic organs in the abdominal cavity of women include the fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries, along with their blood vessels and supporting structures.

The key difference between adnexal cyst and ovarian cyst is their nature. An adnexal cyst is a fluid-filled abnormal growth in the tissues surrounding the uterus and ovaries, while an ovarian cyst is any fluid-filled sac that develops in the ovary.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Adnexal Cyst 
3. What is Ovarian Cyst
4. Similarities – Adnexal Cyst and Ovarian Cyst
5. Adnexal Cyst vs Ovarian Cyst in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Adnexal Cyst vs Ovarian Cyst 
7. FAQ – Adnexal Cyst and Ovarian Cyst

What is an Adnexal Cyst?

An adnexal cyst is a growth that develops around the uterus, usually in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and neighboring connective tissues. It is usually noncancerous, but it can be cancerous at times. Adnexal cyst symptoms include pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, bleeding near the mass, frequent urination, bloating, irregular periods, constipation, gastrointestinal disorders, and pain during sex. It is usually caused by hormonal stimulation or bleeding at the time of ovulation.

Figure 01: Adnexal Cyst

An adnexal cyst can be diagnosed through pelvic examination and ultrasound. Furthermore, adnexal cysts can be treated by taking pain medications and removing them by a specific surgery.

What is an Ovarian Cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid that forms on or inside an ovary. Ovarian cysts can be caused by ovulation, abnormal cell production, endometriosis, or pelvic inflammatory disease. Smaller ovarian cysts cause no symptoms, while larger ovarian cysts may cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, a feeling of fullness in the lower belly, pain during intercourse, and painful periods.

Figure 02: Ovarian Cyst

Tests that can be used to diagnose an ovarian cyst include pelvic examinations, ultrasounds, and laparoscopy. Furthermore, treatment for ovarian cysts will depend on factors like age, symptoms, and cause. Common treatments include medications containing hormones (birth control pills) to stop ovulation and prevent future cysts from forming and ovarian cyst surgery.

Similarities Between Adnexal Cyst and Ovarian Cyst

1. Adnexal cysts and ovarian cysts are two types of cysts in the pelvic region in women.
2. Both can be caused by ovulation.
3. Both are normally benign.
4. Both can cause similar symptoms, such as pelvic pain, irregular periods, frequent urination, and pain during intercourse.
5. Both can be diagnosed through pelvic examination and ultrasound.
6. They can be treated with medications and surgeries.

Difference Between Adnexal Cyst and Ovarian Cyst

Definition

1. An adnexal cyst is a growth that develops around the uterus, usually in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and neighboring connective tissues.
2. An ovarian cyst is an abnormal growth that develops on or inside the ovaries.

Causes

1. Adnexal cyst can be caused by hormonal stimulation or bleeding at the time of ovulation.
2. Ovulation cysts can be caused by ovulation, abnormal cell production, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome, pregnancy, and cancer.

Symptoms

1. Symptoms of adnexal cysts include pain in the pelvic region, bleeding at the site of mass, irregular periods in women experiencing premenopause, difficulty with urination, constipation, and gastrointestinal disorders.
2. Symptoms of ovulation cysts are pelvic pain, pain during sex, difficulty in emptying the bowels, a frequent need to urinate, heavy periods, irregular periods or lighter periods than normal, bloating or swollen tummy, and difficulty getting pregnant.

Diagnosis

1. Adnexal cysts can be diagnosed through pelvic examination, ultrasound, and lab tests.
2. Ovulation cysts can be diagnosed through pregnancy tests, pelvic examinations, ultrasound, blood tests, and laparoscopy.

Treatment

1. The treatment options for adnexal cysts are hormonal contraceptives and surgical removal.
2. The treatment options for ovulation cysts are birth control pills, other hormonal therapies, and surgeries like laparoscopy and laparotomy.

The following table summarizes the difference between adnexal cyst and ovarian cyst.

Summary – Adnexal Cyst vs Ovarian Cyst

Cysts can develop in the pelvic region in females of all ages and can be discovered incidentally during a pelvic ultrasound or when they cause symptoms like pain or pressure on the affected area. Adnexal cysts and ovarian cysts are two types of cysts in the pelvic region in women. An adnexal cyst is a fluid-filled structure that can develop in the adnexa (fallopian tubes, ovaries, and associated vessels, ligaments, and connective tissue), while an ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on or inside the ovary. This is the basic difference between adnexal cyst and ovarian cyst.

FAQ: Adnexal Cyst and Ovarian Cyst

1. What are the symptoms of an adnexal cyst?

• The symptoms of adnexal may include pelvic pain, difficulty in urinating, bleeding near the cyst, frequent urination, bloating, irregular periods, constipation, gastrointestinal disorder, and pain during sex.

2. Can adnexal cysts be cured?

• The majority of ovarian cysts resolve spontaneously and require no intervention. Pelvic ultrasound is often repeated after 1-2 menstrual cycles to check for ovarian cyst resolution. The treatment options for ovarian cysts that do not resolve include medications such as hormonal contraceptives and surgical removal.

3. What are the main causes of ovarian cysts?

• The most common causes of ovarian cysts include hormonal problems, endometriosis, pregnancy, and severe pelvic infections.

4. What are the early warning symptoms of an ovarian cyst?

• The symptoms of an ovarian cyst include pelvic pain, pain during sex, difficulty emptying the bowels, heavy periods, irregular periods or lighter periods than normal, a frequent need to urinate, bloating, and a swollen tummy.

5. Can I get pregnant with an ovarian cyst?

• If a woman has been diagnosed with ovarian cysts and is trying to get pregnant, it is important to know that ovarian cysts do not cause any problems with fertility. If cysts are caused by an underlying condition like endometriosis, it may cause problems with fertility. 30-40% of women with endometriosis may have fertility usses. However, it is still possible to get pregnant.

Reference:

1. “Adnexal Cysts.” At Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

2. “Ovarian Cyst.” NHS Choices, NHS.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Micrograph of microcystic adnexal carcinoma – superficial follicular keratin-filled cysts – infiltrative aggregates” By Mike Inskip, Jill Magee – (2015). “Microcystic adnexal carcinoma of the cheek—a case report with dermatoscopy and dermatopathology”. Dermatology Practical & Conceptual 5 (1). DOI:10.5826/dpc.0501a07. ISSN 21609381. (CC BY 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

2. “Benign Ovarian Cyst” By Ed Uthman (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr

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