Description
Abnormal fluid pocket that forms in an ovary. Before it releases an egg during a menstrual cycle, the ovary forms the beginning of a cyst by surrounding an egg with fluid. The most common type of ovarian cyst is made by this process--it is simply an overly large fluid pocket around an egg that does not easily leave the ovary. This is called a "functional cyst". Other kinds of ovary cysts are endometriomas, cystadenomas, dermoid cysts, and polycystic ovaries.
Symptoms
Pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, pelvic pain during movement, delayed or unusually heavy vaginal bleeding pain during bowel movements, abdominal bloating.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. One ovary may feel large on pelvic examination. An ultrasound can show an ovarian cyst.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Practice
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. One ovary may feel large on pelvic examination. An ultrasound can show an ovarian cyst.
Tests:
Pregnancy (BHCG) test, Complete blood count (CBC), CT Scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Ultrasound
Specialists:
Obstetrics and Gynecology, Family Practice
Treatment
Functional ovarian cysts usually go away without treatment. Oral contraceptives (birth control pills) may be prescribed if functional cysts cause repeated symptoms. Ovarian cysts that are larger than 5 - 10 centimeters may need to be surgically removed. Cysts that look suspicious for cancer on ultrasound may need to be surgically removed.