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A curious case of ovarian cysts
Rebecca Hodges1, Elyse Watkins
1At the time this article was written, Rebecca Hodges was a student in the PA program at Florida State University in Tallahassee, Fla. Elyse Watkins is an associate professor in the PA program at the University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Va. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.
JAAPA : Official Journal of the American Academy of Physician Assistants
|November 22, 2022
Summary
Benign mature cystic teratomas, also known as dermoid cysts, are common ovarian neoplasms. This review covers their symptoms, growth, complications, and management.
Area of Science:
- Gynecology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Benign mature cystic teratomas are the most frequent type of ovarian germ cell tumor.
- These neoplasms originate from primordial germ cells within the ovaries.
- They represent over 20% of all ovarian neoplasms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of benign mature cystic teratomas.
- To detail clinical presentations, pathophysiology, and growth characteristics.
- To discuss management strategies, potential complications, and recurrence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical symptoms.
- Analysis of ovarian growth patterns.
- Examination of pathophysiology and management options.
Main Results:
- Patients may be asymptomatic or present with pelvic pain, abdominal enlargement, dysmenorrhea, or dyspareunia.
- Understanding growth characteristics aids in diagnosis and management.
- Various management options exist, with recurrence being a consideration.
Conclusions:
- High clinical suspicion is crucial for timely diagnosis of benign mature cystic teratomas.
- Effective management requires understanding the tumor's biology and potential complications.
- Further research can optimize treatment and reduce recurrence rates.
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