Hemorrhagic cysts are fluid-filled sacs containing blood, raising questions about their potential severity. This article explains what hemorrhagic cysts are and when they might pose a danger.
What is a Hemorrhagic Cyst?
A hemorrhagic cyst is a fluid-filled sac containing blood, formed when a blood vessel ruptures inside. These cysts frequently originate from functional cysts, normal occurrences related to physiological processes like the menstrual cycle in ovaries. While most common in ovaries, they can also develop in organs like the kidneys or liver. This internal bleeding distinguishes them from simple cysts, which contain only clear fluid.
Are Hemorrhagic Cysts Dangerous?
Most hemorrhagic cysts are not dangerous and frequently resolve on their own within weeks to months, as the body reabsorbs the fluid and blood. Many individuals may not even realize they have one because they often cause no symptoms.
However, a hemorrhagic cyst can become dangerous if complications arise. Rupture, where the cyst wall breaks open, spilling its contents, can lead to sudden, severe pain and significant internal bleeding, requiring immediate medical attention.
Another concern is a very large cyst, which can press on nearby organs, causing discomfort or interfering with their function. While rare, a large cyst could also lead to ovarian torsion, where the ovary twists around its supporting ligaments, cutting off its blood supply. Hemorrhagic cysts typically range from a few centimeters up to 10 centimeters, with larger sizes increasing the risk of complications.
Recognizing Symptoms and When to Seek Care
Many hemorrhagic cysts cause no noticeable symptoms and are discovered incidentally during medical imaging. When symptoms occur, they are often related to the cyst’s size or location. Common mild symptoms include dull pelvic pain, abdominal bloating, or a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen.
Symptoms indicating a potential complication, such as a ruptured cyst or significant bleeding, require prompt medical evaluation. These severe signs may include sudden, sharp, and intense pain in the lower abdomen, often localized to one side. Nausea and vomiting can accompany severe pain.
Seek immediate medical care for dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, as these can indicate significant internal blood loss. Fever, rapid heart rate, or unusually heavy vaginal bleeding also warrant urgent attention.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Healthcare providers typically diagnose hemorrhagic cysts using imaging techniques. An ultrasound is often the first and most common diagnostic tool, visualizing the cyst’s size, shape, and internal characteristics, including the presence of blood. CT scans or MRI may be used for a more detailed assessment, especially if the diagnosis is unclear or a complex cyst is suspected.
Treatment depends on the cyst’s size, symptoms, and whether complications are present. For most small, asymptomatic cysts, “watchful waiting” is common, where the cyst is monitored to ensure it resolves. Pain management strategies, such as over-the-counter pain relievers, may be recommended for mild discomfort.
Surgical intervention is considered for persistent, large, or symptomatic cysts, or if complications like rupture with significant bleeding occur. Surgery may involve draining or removing the entire cyst, often performed using minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques. The decision for surgery is based on complication risk, symptom severity, and the need to confirm the cyst’s benign nature.