What Are Ovarian Cysts?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on the ovary. Ovarian cysts are common and, in most cases, benign and non-cancerous. These cysts can vary in size and location on the ovary. The most common cysts develop when a follicle that produces an egg fails to rupture and release the egg. Instead, the follicle fills with fluid and forms a follicular cyst. 

In many cases, cysts resolve on their own without treatment. However, in some cases, surgical removal may be necessary. Rarely, a cyst can twist (ovarian torsion) or rupture (ovarian cyst rupture), leading to serious complications that require emergency surgery. 

While most ovarian cysts are benign and harmless, some may be cancerous or pose risks to a woman’s future fertility. For this reason, it is crucial to have an ovarian cyst evaluated by a specialist. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing and treating ovarian cysts. 

In most cases, ovarian cysts do not show any symptoms. However, if you experience one or more of the following symptoms, we recommend consulting your doctor. Symptoms may include:

• Mild abdominal pain.
• Abdominal swelling, fullness, or a feeling of pressure.
• Pain during sexual intercourse.
• Irregular periods, including missed periods (amenorrhea), heavy bleeding (menorrhagia), or painful periods (dysmenorrhea).
• Unusual hair growth on the face and body caused by increased male hormones (hirsutism).
• Sharp abdominal pain, fever, and nausea (may occur if a cyst twists or ruptures).
• Rarely, painful, frequent urination or urinary incontinence caused by a cyst pressing on the bladder.

If you have been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst and experience sudden, sharp abdominal pain, fever, or nausea and vomiting, contact your doctor immediately. 

How Are Ovarian Cysts Diagnosed?

Diagnosing ovarian cysts requires a gynecological examination. If a suspicious cyst or mass is detected in the ovary, additional tests are conducted to rule out the possibility of ovarian cancer. 

Your doctor may use one or more of the following tests to diagnose a benign ovarian cyst:

• Pelvic Examination
  Ovarian cysts are often detected during routine pelvic exams. However, since a pelvic exam cannot provide a definitive diagnosis, the next step is typically a vaginal sonogram.

• Vaginal Ultrasound
  This imaging test provides the most accurate picture of the ovary and cyst. It is performed by inserting a small device into the vagina. 

During ultrasound imaging, sound waves reflect off the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries, creating an image on a monitor. This allows your doctor to precisely measure the cyst’s size. More importantly, it helps determine whether the cyst is solid or fluid-filled. 

While vaginal ultrasound detects the presence of a cyst, it cannot confirm whether the cyst is benign or malignant. If a suspicious cyst is found, the next step may involve surgically removing the cyst to determine its nature. 

• Laparoscopy
  This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows your doctor to remove the cyst through a small incision in the abdomen instead of a large one. A thin, lighted telescope called a laparoscope is inserted through a small incision in the abdomen. Small tools placed near the pubic bone allow the doctor to remove the cyst.

How Are Ovarian Cysts Treated?

Ovarian cysts often disappear without treatment. 

If cancer is suspected, if the cyst does not disappear or shrink during follow-ups, or if it causes other symptoms, surgery may be required to remove the cyst. 

Your doctor may recommend hormonal therapy to prevent the recurrence of ovarian cysts.

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