How Is a Chocolate Cyst Noticed?

Endometriosis is a painful disease that appears with the growth outside the uterus of tissues similar to the endometrial tissue that normally covers the inside of the uterus. Obstetrics and Gynaecology Specialist Prof. Dr. Taner Usta shared with us the answer to the question “How is a chocolate cyst noticed?” and all the detailed information about the disease.

Endometriosis, also known among the public as chocolate cyst, occurs most frequently in the tissue covering the ovaries, the fallopian tubes and the cervix.

Endometrial tissue can rarely also spread outside the pelvic organs. In chocolate cyst, the endometrium-like tissue thickens and bleeds with every menstrual cycle. But because this tissue has no way out of the body, it stays where it is.

When endometriosis occurs in the ovaries, various cysts may form. By irritating the tissues around it, it causes scar tissue or adhesions to appear. Chocolate cyst in particular opens the way for the menstrual cycle to be extremely painful.

The most frequently seen symptom of chocolate cyst is pelvic pain that increases during menstrual cycles. In addition, cramps more painful than normal are also seen. The pain increases progressively during the course of the cycle. In cases where the menstrual cycle is prolonged, lower back and abdominal pain also appears.

In addition, pain occurring during and after sexual intercourse is also among the symptoms of chocolate cyst. Pain when going to the toilet throughout the menstrual period, excessive bleeding and infertility are also some of the symptoms of chocolate cyst.

Fatigue during the menstrual period, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating or excessive nausea are, even if rarely, among the symptoms that indicate chocolate cyst. With these symptoms, chocolate cyst can sometimes be confused with pelvic inflammatory disease or with ovarian cysts.

Many women experience pelvic pain during the menstrual cycle. However, the period passing very hard and painfully may be caused by chocolate cyst. A cyst or scar tissue can be identified in a normal pelvic examination. However, this is not sufficient for a diagnosis of chocolate cyst.

For a full diagnosis, imaging technologies such as ultrasound or MRI are used. In addition, laparoscopy for diagnostic purposes is also preferred in diagnosing chocolate cyst. In the ultrasound imaging method the reproductive organs are imaged with high frequency sound waves.

As for MRI, a large magnet, radio waves and a computer are used. MRI tests also help the specialist doctor at the same time to prepare for chocolate cyst surgery. Laparoscopy, on the other hand, is carried out by means of a small incision made below the navel.