Ovarian Cysts - What Is That?

The generic term cyst refers to a fluid-filled growth or structure within the body. Ovarian cysts are cysts that are on or within the ovaries. They will, by their definition as cysts, contain at least some fluid.

A cyst is a sac, filled with fluid that could show up in almost any part of the body. On or in the ovaries, different types of cysts may form. The most frequent, most common kind of ovarian cyst will be the type called "functional cyst". Functional cysts often form during the normal monthly menstrual cycle.

Each month, the natural cycle is that a woman's ovaries will grow small cysts, each containing one of their eggs. When an egg matures, the sac holding it ruptures, releasing the egg. This happens so that the egg can then go down the fallopian tube to the uterus for fertilization.

After opening to release the egg, the sac then dissolves. In the case with one kind of functional cyst, named a "follicular cyst", the cyst sac does NOT rupture and release the egg. Then it may just keep on growing. Follicular cysts normally disappear on their own within one to three months.

Another kind of functional cyst, called a "corpus luteum cyst", can form if the cyst sac does not dissolve. With a corpus luteum cyst, the sac seals up again after the egg has been released. Once sealed, fluid builds up inside the cyst sac, causing it to grow. Within a few weeks, this type of cyst also usually goes away by itself. But sometimes it grows large. As large as almost 4 inches in diameter. It may twist the ovary, or bleed, causing pain. Serophene or Clomid, drugs which are used to induce ovulation, may increase the risk of getting this kind of cyst.

These types of cysts are very rarely associated with cancer.

An ovarian cyst then, is, simply speaking, a collection of fluid in a sac within the normally more or less solid ovary. There are many different types of ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts occur in most women and are a frequent gynecologic problem.

Fear of ovarian cancer makes ovarian cysts a common cause of concern among women. However, it is important to note that an overwhelming majority of ovarian cysts are not cancerous at all.

Still, some benign cysts do not go away by themselves. Some of these that do not go away will grow and cause problems. Many of these will require treatment. In very rare cases, the possibility exists that some may be or may become cancerous.

An ovarian cyst may be found during a routine examination, when you are feeling just fine. Or it may be discovered after it causes pain or problems and you go for a checkup to find out why.

In any case, there's good news - practically all ovarian cysts will just go away by themselves without any treatment. Those that cause problems can be treated. When you consider that the vast majority of ovarian cysts are benign, finding that you have cysts on your ovaries is not a great cause for worry.