Although usually not usually serious, functional ovarian cysts are a problem that many women will experience. Ovarian cysts can become 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 take place, 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.

A cyst that contains blood is called a hemorrhagic cyst. They release blood from time to time. They can burst in very rare occasions which will produce leakage of blood and can cause a burning sensation in the pelvic area. These cysts do not normally require treatment and they are common. They can be surgically removed if there is a risk that endometriosis may be present.

Dermoid cysts are a type of ovarian cyst which develops out of the ovaries totipotential germ cell. The totipotential germ cell produces hair, teeth, bones, and similar tissues. Dermoid cysts can appear in women of any age. However, they are most common during the reproductive years. Different types of physical tissue can be found in dermoid cysts. It is possible to find teeth and hair remnants in dermoid cysts. Since they can prevent blood flow to the ovaries, doctors frequently remove dermoid cysts through surgery.

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. Pathological cysts can be potentially more serious than simple or functional cysts. However, all women should seek assistance from their doctor, especially if they are noticing any symptoms common to having ovarian cysts.