Diagnosing Ovarian Cyst Ruptures

Ovarian cysts are fluid filled sacs, which can be found in or on the surface of the ovaries. During ovulation, the follicle, which is the sac in which the egg is enclosed in the ovary, releases an egg for transmission to the uterus for fertilization.

At times, whether the egg is released or not, the follicle forms into a sac filled with fluid and it is known as an ovarian cyst. Ovarian cysts do not usually cause symptoms but when they do they are similar to that of other medical conditions like ectopic pregnancy and pelvic inflammatory disease. Ovarian cysts can also twist and rupture, a dangerous thing because of the associated complications.

There are various tests a doctor is likely to run to diagnose ovarian cyst ruptures. Some of these tests include:

Blood Tests- There are different blood tests a doctor may want to run to diagnose ovarian cyst ruptures:

White Blood Count (WBC) – This test is run to determine the presence of leukocytosis, which is high level of white blood cells; an indicator of bacterial infection. CA 125 – This test is run to determine the level of the blood protein called ca 125 or cancer antigen 125. Ca 125 level is usually high in a woman with a malignant cyst, which could indicate ovarian cancer. However, a woman who has endometriosis and some other diseases could also present with high levels of ca 125. Hematocrit test – This determines the level of red blood cells in the blood. A low hematocrit level is an indicator of anemia which could be a result of internal hemorrhage. Internal bleeding is a symptom of ovarian cyst ruptures. Human Chorionic Growth (HCG) hormone test – This is run to determine pregnancy. This has to be diagnosed because ruptured cysts and ectopic pregnancy present similar symptoms.

Culdocentesis – This test is performed by inserting a needle into the vagina and extracting fluid from the rectouterine pouch which is located just posterior to the uterus. This test is performed to test for the presence of fluid in the cul-de-sac, which could indicate ovarian cyst ruptures or ectopic pregnancy rupture. The test is rarely used today because fluid in the cul-de-sac area can be detected with an ultrasound.

Urine Test – This test is performed to test for presence of pus or blood in the urine.

Ultrasonography/ Ultrasound – Ultrasounds are widely used today to get a better picture of the cyst. Ultrasounds provide a less invasive technique to assist in diagnosis.

Computerized Tomography – This is better known as CT scan or cat scan and is used at times if ultrasonography does not give a very clear picture of the cyst.

Laparoscopy – A surgery done by making a small incision in the belly button area of the abdomen and inserting a thin telescope-like instrument with a light known as laparoscope to get a clear view of the organs in the pelvic and abdominal cavity.