Understanding Paratubal Cysts

What is a paraovarian cyst?

A paratubal cyst, also known as a paraovarian cyst or hydatid cyst of Morgagni, is a fluid-filled mass that occurs near the ovaries or fallopian tubes. While they are usually benign, these cysts can cause pain and complications if they become large, twisted, or at risk of rupturing.

They develop in the adnexa — the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or the broad ligament between them. These lesions are usually benign, and most are so small that they often go undiagnosed.

Is a paraovarian cyst normal?

The incidence of paraovarian cysts is rare, and they’re generally not a matter of concern. These cysts’ small size, lack of symptoms, and ability to dissolve and clear up on their own make it difficult to determine their rate of occurrence. However, paraovarian cysts are thought to represent approximately 10% of all adnexal masses, making them a rare pathology.

In addition, they rarely give rise to paraovarian tumors, borderline tumors, or malignancies.

What causes paratubal cysts?

An embryonic structure called the Wolffian duct forms during an embryo’s development. It eventually forms the male reproductive organs. All fetuses, regardless of sex, possess Wolffian ducts early in gestation, but in female embryos, the duct eventually shrinks to make way for female reproductive organs. These develop from another structure known as the Müllerian duct. In some female babies, pieces of either duct can remain.

Doctors believe that paratubal cysts originate from remnants of the Wolffian duct (mesonephric) or Müllerian duct (paramesonephric) and form where the protective layer of cells, known as the mesothelium (mesothelial cysts), of these ducts is presumed to be. Currently, there aren’t any established risk factors for paratubal cysts.

Although most paratubal cysts develop as a simple cyst (single), in rare cases, multiple cysts may arise in the same region. Giant paraovarian cysts are rare, and only a few case reports are known in some adolescent females. Similarly, most cysts of this kind are benign. Only two cases of primary paraovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma, a form of cancer, have been reported in two postmenopausal women.

What are paratubal cysts symptoms?

Most paratubal cysts cause no symptoms, and many women who have them may not be aware of their presence. However, large ovarian or tubal cysts can cause pelvic pain and acute abdominal pain. These symptoms can mirror other women’s health concerns, potentially resulting in a misdiagnosis of an ovarian mass orhydrosalpinx.

Paratubal cysts can become extremely big before causing noticeable symptoms. When they become large, they are at risk of twisting or rupturing.

Because there are so many things that can cause pelvic and abdominal pain — some benign, some dangerous — it’s important to talk to a medical professional to obtain a differential diagnosis. Once we’ve uncovered the cause of your pain, we can begin to treat it.

What are the potential complications of paraovarian cysts?

Paratubal cysts are often benign, unlike true ovarian cysts, meaning they will not become cancerous. However, even if your paratubal cyst is asymptomatic, it’s sometimes necessary to treat it.

The most common complications of paratubal cysts include:

• Hemorrhaging
• Rupture of the fallopian tube
• Ovarian torsion

Cysts that grow in size are at a greater risk of rupturing. A burst cyst often leads to intense pain and may cause severe bleeding in the pelvic region. Cyst torsion, or twisting, is another urgent issue. If reproductive structures become twisted, their blood supply can potentially become cut off, necessitating urgent surgery to preserve the ovary and the fallopian tube.

How does Dr. Aliabadi diagnose paratubal cysts?

Usually, a small or asymptomatic paratubal cyst may be discovered during a routine gynecology exam or during an unrelated procedure or surgery. But if you are having abdominal pain, our doctor will likely want to perform further exams and diagnostic tests.

Cystic masses can be found with the following tests:

• Ultrasound. Transvaginal sonography, pelvic ultrasound, or transabdominal ultrasound can be used to display images of the pelvic region. Sonographic imaging lets us see your pelvic organs and any masses. Doppler ultrasounds allow us to see blood flow through the organs to check for torsion.
• Computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These advanced radiology options provide even clearer images of the pelvic region and are often used for preoperative diagnosis of paraovarian cysts.
• Blood tests. Blood tests may be ordered to rule out cancerous cysts. They can be recommended if your cyst shows solid components, you have a prevalence of ovarian cancer in your family, or the cyst is large in size.
• Diagnostic laparoscopy or biopsy. Paratubal cysts can look similar to ovarian cysts on ultrasonography, so Dr. Aliabadi may also suggest this surgical test. Adiagnostic laparoscopic procedure requires a small incision in the abdomen. Dr. Aliabadi will insert a tube, which has a tiny video camera attached to its tip, into the opening. This allows her to see your entire pelvic region and offers an opportunity to collect tissue for a biopsy for pathological findings.

What is paraovarian cyst treatment?

The treatment of your paratubal cyst or paraovarian cyst depends upon a few factors.

What are paraovarian cyst treatment options?

Once Dr. Aliabadi has evaluated the size and location of your cyst and any potential risks, she has many treatment options to choose from, including:

• Hormonal contraception. Birth control pills can prevent the growth of adnexal cysts and can often relieve pain associated with cysts. If your benign cyst doesn’t need to be removed, this option may be recommended.
• Laparoscopic cystectomy: Using a tiny lighted camera on a thin, flexible tube, Dr. Aliabadi is able to see your pelvic organs and remove the cyst through a few tiny abdominal incisions. This minimally invasive procedure has less pain and a shorter recovery time than traditional surgery.
• Also known as “open surgery,” a laparotomy requires a large abdominal incision and is usually reserved for large cysts.
• Salpingectomy or Oophorectomy. In rare cases, the affected fallopian tube or ovary may need to be surgically removed to prevent or treat severe complications.

Should you be concerned about paraovarian cysts?  

Paratubal or paraovarian cysts are usually small and benign. Most women may not even realize they have one before it dissolves and disappears on its own.

However, cysts that are large or at risk of twisting and rupturing can cause pain as well as health complications. In most cases, they will need to be removed. If you have abdominal pain or other concerning women’s health symptoms, reach out to our doctor.

Have questions about your health? Talk to Dr. Aliabadi

Dr. Aliabadi and her compassionate team are experts in women’s health care. When you’re treated by Dr. Aliabadi, you’re guaranteed to feel safe, heard, and well cared for. Certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and a Diplomat of the American College of Obstetrics, Dr. Aliabadi is experienced with a wide range of women’s health issues, including paraovarian cysts.

We invite you to establish care with Dr. Aliabadi. Please make an appointment online or call us at (844) 863-6700.

The practice of Dr. Thais Aliabadi and the Outpatient Hysterectomy Center is conveniently located for patients throughout Southern California and the Los Angeles area. We are near Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, and Downtown Los Angeles.

Paraovarian Cyst FAQs

Can paraovarian cyst cause infertility?

Small, benign paraovarian cysts shouldn’t cause fertility concerns. However, large, complex cysts that are left untreated could damage reproductive organs if they were to burst or twist.

Is paraovarian cyst dangerous?

Most paraovarian cysts are small and benign, so they go undetected. Usually harmless, the majority of these cysts don’t require treatment.

Can paraovarian cyst go away?

Many paraovarian cysts can disappear without treatment. They can gradually dissolve and be reabsorbed by the body.

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