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Women’s health—ovarian cysts

What is an ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled structure associated with the ovary. Ovarian cysts may be normal (ovarian cysts form in every woman’s ovary during the process of ovulation) or abnormal. Most abnormal ovarian cysts are benign growths of the ovary. Ovarian cancer, while rare, is the main concern and will need to be excluded.

How common are ovarian cysts?

In women undergoing a normal menstrual cycle, it is common develop ovarian cyst like structures called follicles every month in both ovaries related to the process of ovulation. These usually resolve without any treatment being required or any symptoms being noticed. This is considered to be a normal process. Sometimes a follicle will continue to grow before or after ovulation or a cystic structure unrelated to ovulation may develop on the ovary.

What do ovarian cysts do?

Most ovarian cysts do not produce symptoms.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of ovarian cysts are variable and do not always correspond to the severity of disease. Cysts may produce some abdominal or pelvic pain or pain on intercourse. Both normal and abnormal ovarian cysts can produce symptoms, usually in relation to a complication of the cyst, such as:

  • Rupture—ovarian cysts may burst and spill their contents into the abdomen. Depending on the content of the cyst, this may cause pain and other complications
  • Haemorrhage—bleeding may occur into the cyst and produce pain
  • Torsion—cysts may twist and because the blood vessels supplying oxygen to the ovary can become blocked this will cause pain
  • Size—large ovarian cysts can cause compression of other abdominal and pelvic organs and produce symptoms e.g. the need to pass urine more frequently.

How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?

Ovarian cysts may be diagnosed at the time of a pelvic examination, such as a Pap smear. Alternatively, the cyst may be imaged by ultrasound, CT or MRI scans. Blood tests, such as tumour markers (substances produced by certain types of cysts), may be required to aid in the diagnosis and prognosis.

What are the treatment options?

Ovarian cysts may be managed by:

  • Observation—as the majority of ovarian cysts are normal, many resolve with observation over a period of several weeks. Over this time, the progress will normally be observed by ultrasound.
  • Surgery is required if there is any suspicion of abnormality or if complications occur. In general, this surgery is conservative in the young patient, where only the cyst is removed (cystectomy) and the ovary left behind. Older patients or patients with specific complicating factors may require the removal of the tube and ovary (salpingo-oophorectomy). This is normally performed laparoscopically (key hole surgery), but at times a laparotomy (open surgery) may be required.

How is this done?

Please refer to the individual information sheets on laparoscopy and laparotomy. The procedure is normally performed under a general anaesthetic in the operating theatre. The abdomen and pelvis are systematically evaluated and the cyst is peeled off the ovary. When performing a cystectomy, there may be excessive bleeding or there may be little normal ovary tissue remaining, but this is rare. In these situations, the whole ovary may need to be removed. If it is planned to remove the ovary, this is usually performed in conjunction with removal of the tube on that side.

All ovarian cysts are sent to the laboratory for testing. You will be informed of the results of these tests following discharge. On occasion, further surgery may be recommended if there are suspicious features seen on these laboratory tests.

What happens after this procedure?

Usually, the ovary resumes normal function if a cystectomy has been performed. In certain circumstances, however, the ovary may not recover, failing to produce hormones and release eggs. Provided the other ovary is working, this is of little consequence and you will continue to have your periods at your normal interval. If you want to become pregnant in the future you may like to know that usually ovulation will continue to occur every month from the remaining ovary.

Should the other ovary not be functional, this will result in menopause, which may be permanent. This will mean loss of your normal fertility and all the consequences of menopause, such as hot flushes.

How effective is treatment?

The effectiveness of the treatment depends on the nature of the cyst. Certain cysts have a high chance of returning (such as normal ovarian cysts associated with ovulation), others have a low chance of returning. Treatment options are similar to what has been discussed above.

© 2013 Mater Misericordiae Ltd. ACN 096 708 922

Mater acknowledges consumer consultation in the development of this patient information.
Mater Doc Num: PI-CLN-430017
Last modified 08/8/2017.
Consumers were consulted in the development of this patient information.
Last consumer engagement date: 28/2/2014
For further translated health information, you can visit healthtranslations.vic.gov.au/ supported by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services that offers a range of patient information in multiple languages.
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