Ovarian Cyst

The ovary is a female reproductive organ. Women normally have two ovaries located in the pelvic area. The ovaries are responsible for producing eggs for reproduction and secreting female hormones. The ovaries are made up of tissue and follicles, which appear as small fluid-filled sacs.

What is an Ovarian Cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a sac-like structure filled with fluid that develops inside or on the ovary. It is commonly referred to as a “cyst.” Ovarian cysts can be either non-disease related or associated with certain medical conditions.

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Non-Disease Ovarian Cysts

These include:

• Follicular cyst
• Corpus luteum cyst

They are commonly known as functional cysts because they develop as part of the normal hormonal cycle (menstrual cycle).

These cysts may or may not cause symptoms. Many women discover them accidentally during a pelvic examination or ultrasound. Functional cysts are usually harmless and relatively small, ranging from approximately 2–8 cm in size.

Most functional cysts disappear on their own and usually do not require medication or drainage. The most common symptom is lower abdominal pain.

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Disease-Related Ovarian Cysts

These include:

• Chocolate cyst
• Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Dermoid cyst

Each type has different characteristics and may or may not produce symptoms. Common symptoms include:

• Lower abdominal pain
• Menstrual pain
• Irregular menstruation
• Infertility

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Diagnosis of Ovarian Cysts

Diagnosis may involve:

• Medical history review
• Physical examination
• Pelvic examination
• Ultrasound
• CT scan (Computed Tomography)

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Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of ovarian cyst. Some cysts can be treated with hormonal medication, while others may require surgery.

If you experience abnormal symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain, severe menstrual pain, or a palpable abdominal mass, you should consult a doctor promptly.

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