Ovarian Cysts

Frequently Asked Questions Expand All

• What is an ovarian cyst?

  An ovarian cyst is a sac or pouch filled with fluid or other tissue that forms in or on an ovary. Ovarian cysts are very common. They can occur during the reproductive years or after menopause. Most ovarian cysts are benign (not cancer) and go away on their own without treatment. Rarely, a cyst may be malignant (cancer) (read Ovarian Cancer). There also are benign ovarian tumors that can look like cysts when imaging is done.

• What are the different types of cysts?

  Types of cysts include the following:

  • Functional cyst—This is the most common type of ovarian cyst. It usually causes no symptoms. Functional cysts often go away without treatment within 6 to 8 weeks.

  • Teratoma—This is a cyst or benign tumor that contains different kinds of tissues that make up the body, such as skin and hair. Teratomas may be present from birth and can grow during the reproductive years. In very rare cases, some teratomas can become cancer.

  • Cystadenoma—This is a benign tumor that forms on the outer surface of the ovary. These tumors can grow very large even though they usually are benign.

  • Endometrioma—This cyst forms as a result of endometriosis.

• What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts?

  In most cases, cysts do not cause symptoms. Many are found during a routine pelvic exam or imaging test done for another reason. Some cysts may cause a dull or sharp ache in the abdomen and pain during certain activities. Larger cysts may cause twisting of the ovary. This twisting may cause pain on one side that comes and goes or can start suddenly. Cysts that bleed or burst also may cause sudden, severe pain.

• How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?

  If your obstetrician–gynecologist (ob-gyn) thinks that you may have a cyst, the following tests may be recommended to find out more information:

  • Ultrasound exam—This test uses sound waves to create pictures of the internal organs. An instrument called a transducer is placed in the vagina or on the abdomen. The views created by the sound waves show the shape, size, and location of the cyst. The views also show whether the cyst is solid or filled with fluid.

  • Blood tests—You may have a blood test that measures the level of a substance called CA 125. An increased level of CA 125, along with certain findings from ultrasound and physical exams, may raise concern for ovarian cancer, especially after menopause. Several other blood tests also can be used to help identify whether a mass on the ovary is concerning for ovarian cancer.

• How are ovarian cysts treated?

  There are several treatment options for cysts. Choosing an option depends on the type of cyst and other factors. Treatment options include watchful waiting and, if the cyst is large or causing symptoms, surgery.

• What is watchful waiting?

  Watchful waiting is a way of monitoring a cyst with repeat ultrasound exams to see if the cyst has changed in size or appearance. Your ob-gyn should recommend when to repeat the ultrasound exam and how long this follow-up should last. Many cysts go away on their own after one or two menstrual cycles.

• When is surgery recommended?

  Surgery may be recommended if your cyst is very large or causing symptoms or if cancer is suspected. The type of surgery depends on several factors, including how large the cyst is, your age, your desire to have children, and whether you have a family history of ovarian cancer or breast cancer. A cystectomy is the removal of a cyst from the ovary. In some cases, an ovary may need to be removed. This is called an oophorectomy.

• How is the surgery performed?

  If your cyst is thought to be benign, minimally invasive surgery is recommended. Minimally invasive surgery is done using small incisions and a special instrument called a laparoscope. This type of surgery is called a laparoscopy. Another type of surgery is called "open" surgery. In open surgery, an incision is made horizontally or vertically in the lower abdomen. Open surgery may be done if cancer is suspected or if the cyst is too large to be removed by laparoscopy. If cancer is suspected, it is important to remove the cyst intact. Sometimes open surgery is the only way to do this.

• Glossary

  Benign: Not cancer.

  CA 125: A substance in the blood that may increase when a person has cancerous tumors.

  Cyst: A sac or pouch filled with fluid.

  Cystadenoma: A cyst or benign tumor that forms from the cells on the outer surface of the ovary.

  Cystectomy: Surgery to remove a cyst.

  Endometrioma: A cyst that forms on the ovaries from endometrial tissue.

  Endometriosis: A condition in which tissue that lines the uterus is found outside of the uterus, usually on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic structures.

  Functional Cyst: A noncancerous cyst that forms in an ovary. This cyst usually resolves on its own without treatment.

  Laparoscope: A thin, lighted telescope that is inserted through a small incision (cut) in the abdomen to view internal organs or to perform surgery.

  Laparoscopy: A surgical procedure in which a thin, lighted telescope called a laparoscope is inserted through a small incision (cut) in the abdomen. The laparoscope is used to view the pelvic organs. Other instruments can be used with it to perform surgery.

  Malignant: A way to describe abnormal cells or tumors that are able to spread to other parts of the body.

  Menopause: The time when a woman's menstrual periods stop permanently. Menopause is confirmed after 1 year of no periods.

  Menstrual Cycles: The monthly process of changes that occur to prepare a woman's body for possible pregnancy. A menstrual cycle is defined as the first day of menstrual bleeding of one cycle to the first day of menstrual bleeding of the next cycle.

  Minimally Invasive Surgery: Surgery done through a very small cut.

  Obstetrician–Gynecologist (Ob-Gyn): A doctor with special training and education in women's health.

  Oophorectomy: Surgery to remove an ovary.

  Ovarian Cancer: Cancer that affects one or both of the ovaries.

  Ovary: One of the organs in women that contain the eggs necessary to get pregnant and make important hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

  Pelvic Exam: A physical examination of a woman's pelvic organs.

  Teratoma: A noncancerous mass on the ovary.

  Transducer: A device that sends out sound waves and translates the echoes into electrical signals.

  Ultrasound Exam: A test in which sound waves are used to examine inner parts of the body. During pregnancy, ultrasound can be used to check the fetus.

  Vagina: A tube-like structure surrounded by muscles. The vagina leads from the uterus to the outside of the body.