การผ่าตัดถุงน้ำช็อกโกแลต โรคแมสๆ ที่น่ากลัวสำหรับคุณผู้หญิง

It is well known that the female body is much more complex than the male body. Due to this complexity, women are at a higher risk of developing various unusual diseases compared to men. One common condition, which although not very dangerous, can significantly reduce quality of life, is chocolate cyst or endometrioma. To help women protect themselves from the pain caused by this condition, studying and understanding chocolate cysts is something we should not overlook.
&nbsp;
<h2>Understanding What Chocolate Cyst Is</h2>
A “cyst” comes from the English word “cyst,” meaning “a sac containing fluid.” Anything that has a shell and contains fluid or liquid inside is called a “cyst.” A chocolate cyst is a type of ovarian cyst caused by the abnormal growth of endometrial cells outside the uterus. It may result from retrograde menstruation, where menstrual blood flows backward into the pelvic cavity and attaches to the ovary. During menstruation, blood accumulates and forms a cyst on the ovary, containing thick, sticky fluid resembling chocolate. Medically, it is also called a “chocolate cyst.”
&nbsp;
<h2>Why and How Do Chocolate Cysts Develop in Women’s Bodies?</h2>
All internal organs in the human body can develop cysts, including skin, fat, and internal organs. Women are at higher risk than men, especially with ovaries, which frequently develop cysts. Besides retrograde menstruation causing blood to accumulate in the ovaries, there are several other hypotheses explaining the causes of chocolate cysts, such as irritation of the peritoneal lining (Transformation Of Peritoneal Cells) due to hormonal or immune system changes, embryonic cell transformation, or immune system disorders. Women aged 25-40 have risk factors for developing chocolate cysts, especially those with a family history of the condition, those who have never given birth, or those with abnormal menstrual cycles, such as heavy and prolonged periods or short cycles.
&nbsp;
<h2>“Tumor” vs. “Cyst”: The Difference Women Need to Know</h2>
Many people worry immediately when they find a cyst anywhere in their body because they often confuse cysts with tumors. However, they are not the same. A cyst is similar to a tumor but differs in that a cyst is hollow inside, containing fluid, air, or other foreign substances, while a tumor is solid inside.
Both cysts and tumors share the characteristic that they can grow and enlarge but do not spread. They remain localized, unlike cancer, which grows and becomes increasingly dangerous.
&nbsp;
<h2>Are Chocolate Cysts Dangerous? Can They Turn into Cancer?</h2>
Medical statistics show that the chance of a cyst developing into cancer is very low. Therefore, those diagnosed with cysts should not worry. Some cysts can be treated and disappear, or simply removed surgically to return to normal. Women with risk factors for ovarian cancer, such as a family history of ovarian cancer, a history of breast or colon cancer, should be cautious and undergo further cancer screening.
&nbsp;
<h2>How to Recognize Symptoms That Indicate Risk of Chocolate Cysts</h2>
Some cysts inside the body are harmless, but cysts that grow larger can interfere with other bodily functions. For example, chocolate cysts in women cause more pain than normal menstrual cramps and require surgical removal. Symptoms vary among patients, ranging from no symptoms, mild symptoms, to severe symptoms. Common symptoms include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Chronic pelvic pain, which worsens during menstruation</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Severe menstrual pain that usually starts 2-3 days before menstruation and lasts throughout the period, unlike normal cramps which are mild and occur mainly in the first few days</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Spotting or light bleeding from the vagina or other symptoms similar to menstruation</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen during sexual intercourse</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Chocolate cysts can cause infertility</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Frequent urination due to the cyst pressing on the bladder</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Sudden lower abdominal pain from ovarian cyst torsion or rupture</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
<h2>Lower Left Abdominal Pain and Chocolate Cysts</h2>
Abdominal pain is a common symptom, but it is often difficult to determine the cause. If you experience severe lower left abdominal pain, it may be due to a chocolate cyst on the ovary. The pain is usually intense during menstruation and can sometimes cause fainting. The best treatment is surgery.
&nbsp;
<h2>How Serious Is It to Have a Chocolate Cyst?</h2>
While most cysts are not dangerous, chocolate cysts can cause infertility because they may block the egg from properly implanting in the uterus. They also carry a risk of complications. Patients often experience chronic abdominal pain, and some may have cyst rupture or tearing. Once diagnosed with a chocolate cyst, appropriate treatment must be considered.
&nbsp;
<h2>How Is Chocolate Cyst Diagnosed?</h2>
Doctors will ask about the patient’s medical history and family history, including the type and location of pain, onset, menstrual pain history, and sexual activity. The main diagnostic methods include three parts:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Pelvic examination to check for abnormalities in the pelvic organs, genitalia, and rectum, allowing the doctor to detect endometrial tissue growing outside the uterus. 
Ultrasound examination to view internal pelvic organs, which can detect small masses but cannot provide a detailed diagnosis.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Laparoscopy to inspect abnormalities inside the abdominal cavity. This is the most accurate diagnostic method. During laparoscopy, the doctor can identify the location and size of the cyst and perform surgical removal simultaneously.</li>
</ul>
In the early stages, most women are unaware of chocolate cysts until the cyst grows large or complications occur. Pelvic examination combined with ultrasound helps detect and treat the condition earlier. Women should have annual health check-ups.
&nbsp;
<h2>Is It Possible to Prevent Chocolate Cysts?</h2>
It is difficult to prevent cysts from forming in various parts of the body. What we can do is regularly monitor our bodies and consult a doctor if any abnormalities are found. External cysts can be visually observed, but internal cysts require hospital examinations. Regular annual health check-ups are recommended.
&nbsp;
Additionally, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient rest are three fundamental factors that help maintain good and sustainable health.
&nbsp;
<h2>Treatment Methods for Chocolate Cysts</h2>
Treatment for cysts varies depending on the type, and doctors will diagnose and determine the appropriate treatment. Chocolate cysts interfere with daily life and cause pain, so treatment is necessary. Options include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Medication divided into two groups: 
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve mild lower abdominal pain or menstrual cramps. Commonly used drugs include Ibuprofen and Naproxen.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Hormone Therapy used for patients with severe pain who do not plan to conceive soon. These drugs slow the growth of endometrial cells and prevent new implantation. Treatment duration is usually 3-6 months, but symptoms may recur after stopping medication.</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Surgical removal of cysts is recommended if the cyst is large or located in a position that threatens internal function. Surgery is usually done laparoscopically rather than open surgery because it involves smaller incisions, shorter recovery time, and preserves fertility.</li>
</ul>
<h2>Laparoscopic Surgery and Chocolate Cyst Treatment</h2>
Laparoscopic surgery is a technological advancement that facilitates surgery in narrow spaces. Small incisions are made on the skin, and a camera and surgical instruments are inserted to perform the operation. This allows the surgeon to see the internal area clearly, causing less pain, less blood loss, and faster recovery, enabling patients to return home and resume work sooner. The advantages of minimally invasive surgery (MIS) include:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Small incisions, only 0.5-1.5 cm in size</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Accurate identification of disease sites</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Reduced risk of complications compared to traditional surgery</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Less blood loss, less pain, faster recovery, and quicker discharge</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Faster recovery allows patients to return to normal life sooner</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Reduced loss of work time</li>
</ul>
<h2>Postoperative Care After Surgery</h2>
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Keep the wound dry until fully healed (about 7 days)</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">During recovery, engage in light exercise such as walking</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Take medications as prescribed and attend follow-up appointments</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">Avoid sexual intercourse for about 4-6 weeks</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400">If abnormalities occur, such as fever, wound swelling, redness, or abdominal pain, see a doctor immediately</li>
</ul>

"Chocolate cyst" is a condition that many women are unaware they have. Although it is not life-threatening, it significantly reduces quality of life. Let's understand it and learn how to prevent it before it's too late, for the health of all women.

Services

Article

About Us

Hospital locations

Chocolate cyst surgery: a common and frightening disease for women

Tel

Email

Services

Article

About Us

Hospital locations