Ovarian Cysts - What Are They?

Ovarian cysts are sac-like growths or structures within an ovary. These sacs are filled with fluid. In general, the term cyst refers to a fluid-filled structure. And so, all ovarian cysts, by definition, contain at least some fluid.

A cyst is a fluid-filled sac, which could be located almost anywhere in 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. This kind of cyst also, normally goes away by itself after a few weeks. But, it sometime grows large, to nearly  four 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 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 are an extremely common gynecologic problem.

Ovaian cysts are a very common cause of concern among women, mainly because of fear of ovarian cancer. 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 possibiliyt 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 either case, there is 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 an ovarian cyst is not a great cause for worry.