Although usually not a problem, functional ovarian cysts are a problem common to many women. Ovarian cysts can be cancerous however most are not. Most functional ovarian cysts present no obvious symptoms and no treatment is required, however there is a chance ovarian cysts can cause discomfort and some may require treatment.



When ovulation does not happen, or when a mature follicle breaks down, a simple form of ovarian cyst may form, called a follicular cyst. This cyst can become as large as 2 or more inches in diameter, but will usually disappear by itself after only a few months, and will usually show no symptoms.

An ovarian gland will produce progesterone during the ovulation portion of the monthly cycle of menstruation when the egg is released, and this is when a corpus luteum cyst could potentially develop. When a corpus luteum is healthy, it is approximately one inch in diameter, round in shape, and fluid filled. Corpus luteum cysts do not usually have noticeable symptoms. They can develop at the end of a menstrual cycle or early on during a pregnancy. Many of them do not require treatment, and, fortunately, disappear on their own.

Hemorrhagic cysts generally hold blood within them. While they don't have a tendency to burst, when they do burst the loss of blood can cause uncomfortable, even burning feelings in the pelvic area. This type of cyst usually does not require any treatment and is actually quite common. If needed, they can be removed with surgery if the danger of endometriosis is a concern.

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.

Included in a pathological ovarian cyst are endometriosis and tumors. These rare cysts can only be diagnosed by a doctor after a thorough examination. A pathological ovarian cyst is a type of tumor that can be either cancerous or non-cancerous and malignant or benign. Tumors must be treated soon after discovery. Tumors generally have thick walls are greater than 6cm in diameter and can be persistent unless treated. An endometrioid cyst, which is different than a tumor, occurs when a section of endometrial tissue becomes transfered into the ovaries after being dislodged. The peak reproductive years are when endometrioid cysts most often occur in women.

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.