Ovarian Cyst...

An ovarian cyst is a fluid filled sac within the ovary, and does not in itself indicate a specific diagnosis. In young menstruating women a cyst is not usually a concern, as it will disappear naturally. However, they can sometimes be painful, and if they do not go away of their own accord, then medical treatment may be required.

In older, peri menopausal and/or menopausal women there is always a concern an ovarian cyst, or mass, may be cancerous, because the risk of ovarian cancer increases with age. Ultrasound, usually vaginal, is used to give your gynaecologist more of an idea what is going on.

 Some types of cysts are:

• Physiological cysts - are related to ovulation, usually in younger women, and usually resolove naturally. But if you have pain, go to your GP.

• Cystic teratomas, also called dermoid cysts, or endometriomas, are usually benign growths (ie non-cancerous). Usually found in younger women, and often need to be removed if larger than 5cm in diameter, or if complications develop.

More still to be added to this page!

Please visit these sites for more information:

All Health Medical Reference Library

Femail.com.au

FPWA Ovarian Cysts  PDF 

Gynaecology Ultrasound Care NSW

This page added to this website for the first time 10, April 2009   16:54:09