Ovarian Cyst

WHAT IS AN OVARIAN CYST?

An ovarian cyst is any collection of fluid within the ovary. Some of these, called functional cysts, are part of the normal process of menstruation. Any ovarian follicle that is larger than about 2 centimeters is termed an ovarian cyst.

Specific types of cyst include:

• graafian follicles (which may rupture at mid-cycle and cause mittelschmerz) or..

• corpus luteum cysts (which may rupture about the time of menstruation, and take up to three months to disappear entirely).

Other cysts are pathological, such as those found in polycystic ovary syndrome, or those associated with tumors.

Occasionally ovarian cysts occur as part of an ovarian tumour; such tumours may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and usually have a complex structure.

Benign ovarian (non-functional) cysts include cystic teratomas and endometriomas ('chocolate cysts').

RUPTURED OVARIAN CYSTS (Complications)

Ovarian cysts may rupture, twist, bleed or become infected, all of which are likely to cause severe pain and may cause nausea and vomiting.

Rupture of a cyst often occurs after exercise, sexual intercourse, trauma or even a pelvic examination. Torsion (twisting) and haemorrhage are more likely in right-sided ovarian cysts.

Simple cysts are unlikely to become malignant (cancerous).

HOW COMMON ARE OVARIAN CYSTS?

Ovarian cysts are very common and can develop at any age . They are most common in pre-menopausal women, in whom ovarian cysts occur in 30% of those with regular periods and 50% of those with irregular periods.

In addition, ovarian cysts occur in 6% of post-menopausal women; these are not functional cysts (as there is no ovulation) but may be simple in structure.

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