A peritoneal cyst is a cyst that forms on a woman's abdomen or pelvis region. This condition typically occurs in women who are approaching menopause. These types of cysts can vary in size and can be anywhere from very tiny cysts to enlarged masses. Although these cysts can differentiate and change form, they are typically not malignant.

The peritoneal cyst can develop for several reasons. An injury to the pelvic region can produce a cyst. A history of sexually transmitted diseases or pelvic inflammatory disease can also increase a woman's risk of peritoneal cysts. Endometriosis is a condition that produces lesions and non cancerous growths throughout the abdomen, which can be accompanied by a peritoneal cyst.

The cysts themselves can cause symptoms that make the illness easier to recognize. A few of the symptoms of a peritoneal cyst are a bloated feeling in the lower abdomen accompanied by mild to severe pain. The peritoneal absorbs bodily fluids in order to produce ovarian fluid. If the peritoneal cyst forms due to an injury, there may not be as much ovarian fluid present. This is another factor in diagnosing one of these cysts. Occasionally, a mass can be felt directly under the skin.

There are surgical and medical treatments available for these types of cysts. Treatment will depend on the severity of the pain and bloating surrounding the abdominal area. If the symptoms are not severe, a gynecologist may prescribe an oral contraceptive to eliminate discomfort and pain. When these cysts become filled with fluids, a draining procedure may be used. Surgery can also be done to remove the cysts, but this sometimes is not a permanent solution because they have a tendency to re-develop.

An X-ray and ultrasound are important when diagnosing a peritoneal cyst. A few medical conditions present similar symptoms and can even look the same. These similar conditions include certain cancers, as well as endometriosis. In order to identify the illness, the imaging and symptoms must match the criteria. Any life-threatening, malignant cancers must be ruled out before any treatment can be given.

These types of cysts are not considered dangerous. Different treatment options can be used without any urgency. Peritoneal cysts, however, cause infertility in women who are in their reproductive years.