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Healthy Tips
Ovarian cysts can be benign or cancerous and should be examined
Each GYN doctor at Gynecology Specialists has been helping women with ovarian cysts since 2004. Following is some valuable information that can help you better understand the cause and effects of ovarian cysts. If you have any questions, please call our GYN Clinic at (757) 312-8221 where we care for women and teens from Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Peninsula, Eastern Shore, Hampton Roads and North Carolina.
March 2023
What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a sac or pouch filled with fluid or other tissue that forms on the ovary. Ovarian cysts are quite common in women during their childbearing years. A woman can develop one cyst or many cysts. Ovarian cysts can vary in size. In most cases, cysts are harmless and go away on their own. In other cases, they may cause problems and need treatment by a GYN doctor.
There are different types of ovarian cysts. Most cysts are benign (not cancerous). Rarely, a few cysts may turn out to be malignant (cancerous).
What are the symptoms of ovarian cysts?
Most ovarian cysts are small and do not cause symptoms. Some cysts may cause a dull or sharp ache in the abdomen and pain during certain activities. Larger cysts may cause torsion (twisting) of the ovary that causes pain. Cysts that bleed or rupture may lead to serious problems requiring prompt treatment.
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?
An ovarian cyst may be found during a routine pelvic exam by a GYN doctor. If an enlarged ovary is found, tests may be recommended to provide more information:
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Vaginal ultrasound —This procedure uses sound waves to create pictures of the internal organs that can be viewed on a screen at our GYN Clinic. For this test, a slender instrument called a transducer is placed in the vagina. The views created by the sound waves show the shape, size, location, and makeup of the cyst. |
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Laparoscopy—In this type of surgery, a laparoscope—a thin tube with a camera—is inserted into the abdomen to view the pelvic organs. Laparoscopy also can be used to treat cysts. |
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Blood tests — If you are past menopause, in addition to an ultrasound exam, you may be given a test that measures the amount of a substance called CA 125 in your blood. An increased CA 125 level may be a sign of ovarian cancer in women past menopause. In premenopausal women, an increased CA 125 level can be caused by many other conditions besides cancer. Therefore, this test is not a good indicator of ovarian cancer in premenopausal women. |
How are ovarian cysts treated?
Birth control pills may be prescribed to treat some types of ovarian cysts. This treatment will not make cysts you already have go away, but it will prevent new cysts from forming.
If your cyst is large or causing symptoms, your GYN doctor may suggest surgery. The extent and type of surgery that is needed depends on several factors:
• Size and type of cyst
• Your age
• Your symptoms
• Your desire to have children
Sometimes, a cyst can be removed without having to remove the ovary. This surgery is called cystectomy. In other cases, one or both of the ovaries may have to be removed. Your GYN doctor may not know which procedure is needed until after the surgery begins.
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Please contact our GYN Clinic at (757) 312-8221 or by clicking here if you have questions about an ovarian cyst or ovarian cysts, menopause, premenopausal symptons, cystectomy, or laparoscopy.
About our GYN Clinic
Our all-female practice covers a wide spectrum of health issues, including ovarian cysts, menopause, premenopausal symptons, cystectomy, and laparoscopy. Since 2004 each GYN doctor at Gynecology Specialists has been caring for women and teens in Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Peninsula, Eastern Shore, Hampton Roads and North Carolina.
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