Ovarian cysts are closed, sac-like structures w...

Ovarian cysts are closed, sac-like structures within the ovary that are filled with a liquid or semisolid substance. Ovarian cysts may not cause signs or symptoms. Larger cysts are more likely to cause signs and symptoms such as: Pain in the abdomen, pelvis, sometimes radiating to the low back, is the most common symptom Feeling of bloating or indigestion Increased abdominal girth Feeling an urge to have a bowel movement or having difficult, painful bowel movements Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia) Pain in the lower right or left quadrant of the abdomen on one side Nausea and vomiting There are many causes and types of ovarian cysts, for example, follicular cysts, "chocolate cysts, " dermoid cysts, and cysts due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Most ovarian cysts are not cancerous. Most ovarian cysts are diagnosed with ultrasound or physical examination. Transvaginal ultrasound is a common way to examine ovarian cysts. The treatment of an ovarian cyst depends upon the cause of the cyst and varies from observation and monitoring to surgical treatment. Rupture of an ovarian cyst is a complication that sometimes produces severe pain and internal bleeding. A ruptured (burst) ovarian cyst usually causes pain on one side that comes on suddenly. Most ovarian cysts are not due to cancer, and having an ovarian cyst does not cause ovarian cancer. However, some ovarian cancers develop cystic areas inside the tumor. Ovarian cancer is much less common than benign ovarian cysts. The ideal treatment of ovarian cysts depends on the likely cause of the cysts and whether or not it is producing symptoms. The woman's age, the size (and any change in size) of the cyst, and the cyst's appearance on ultrasound help determine the treatment. Cysts that are functional are usually observed (watchful waiting) with frequent monitoring unless they rupture and cause significant bleeding, in which case, surgical treatment is required. Benign and malignant tumors require operation. Any type of ovarian mass, including a cyst, can be surgically removed either with laparoscopy, or if needed, an open abdominal incision (laparotomy) if it is causing severe pain, not resolving, or if it is suspicious in any way. Once the cyst is removed, the growth is sent to a pathologist who examines the tissue under a microscope to make the final diagnosis as to the type of cyst present.