Ovarian Cyst Type Overview

Women should not be alarmed by the relatively common problem of functional ovarian cysts. These cysts do not predict or develop into cancer. Most of them will not cause any noticeable symptoms or require treatment, although some will cause enough pain to warrant treatment of some kind.

A follicular cyst is a simple type of ovarian cyst that can form when ovulation does not occur or when a mature follicle collapses on itself. It can grow to about 2.3 inches in diameter but usually produces no symptoms and disappears by itself after a few months.

The corpus luteum cyst can occur when an ovarian gland produces progesterone as an egg is released during the ovulation phase of the monthly menstrual cycle. A healthy corpus luteum is a round gland filled with fluid and roughly an inch in diameter. It is important to note that cysts on the corpus luteum are known to be asymptomatic. They appear without the presence of noticeable symptoms and develop at the end of the monthly menstrual cycle, as well during the early stages of a pregnancy. Luckily, most corpus luteum cysts disappear without treatment.

A functional cyst on the ovaries that releases or contains blood is referred to as a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst. This type of cyst won’t always burst, however when they do, it will cause a burning feeling in the pelvic area from leaking blood. Hemorrhagic cysts are common, however, and most of the time nothing needs to be done to treat them. If a doctor thinks the cyst is an indicator of endometriosis, they may perform surgery to remove it.

Women are most at risk of developing a dermoid cyst during their prime childbearing years. However, women of any age can develop dermoid cysts. A dermoid cyst is a type of ovarian cyst that grows from a germ cell in the ovaries known as the totipotential germ cell. From this cell grows such tissues as hair, teeth, and bone. Consequently, dermoid cysts can contain various types of solid physical tissue. It is common for a doctor to find hair and teeth formation, for instance, in dermoid cysts. Doctors surgically remove dermoid cysts because they can cut off the blood supply of the ovaries.

An ovarian cyst that is pathological includes both tumors and endometriosis. These are not common and can only be found after examination by a doctor. A tumor can be defined as a pathological ovarian cyst and be either cancerous or not, benign or malignant. Tumors need to be dealt with as soon as they are discovered. A tumor is generally 6 cm or over, thick walled and persistent. On the other hand women in their prime reproductive years will often develop endometrioid cysts. These endometrioid cysts are present when a woman has endometriosis and are formed when a portion of endometrial tissue bleeds, falls off and then becomes transplanted in the ovaries.

The different types of ovarian cysts must be diagnosed and treated appropriately. However, all women should speak to their doctors about ovarian cysts in order to be properly informed and guard their health.