Chocolate Cyst is type of ovarian cyst which is filled with fluid and lies deep inside the ovaries. They are dark brown in colour just like colour of melted chocolate, therefore named Chocolate Cysts. The fluid inside the cyst is old menstrual blood and tissues. They are also called as Ovarian Endometriomas. Chocolate Cysts may be present in multiple or singularly in one or both ovaries.
Presence of Chocolate Cysts is anticipated by some of symptoms like:
These cysts can range from 2 to 20 cm in size, and large cysts can rupture any time, creating emergency situation. This can lead to unbearable abdominal pain. In this case patient should be hospitalized immediately.
Removal of Chocolate Cysts is recommended only if they are large in size (4 cm or more) and chances of its rupturing are high. These can be removed by laparoscopic surgery known as Ovarian Cystectomy. In this thin tube with light and camera at one end is inserted through incision in abdomen, and cysts are then removed will tools inserted from other incisions. Every surgeon tries to protect the ovaries but in some cases ovaries also need to be removed along with the cyst.
All these pros and cons should be discussed with the doctor before going for the surgery.