Ovarian Cyst Type Overview

by: JayTyler
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Functional ovarian cysts are a fairly common problem among women and should usually not be a cause for concern. Most ovarian cysts do not lead to or indicate cancer. Though some cysts may cause discomfort and others may require some treatment, the majority of functional ovarian cysts are asymptomatic and do not require treatment.

A follicular cyst can form when a mature follicle falls in on itself or when ovulation fails to take place. Follicular cysts are a simple class of ovarian cyst that usually produces no symptoms. Follicular cysts can grow to approximately 2.3 inches across, but usually disappear by themselves within a few months after their appearance.

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.

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.

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Want to learn more about the Types of Ovarian Cysts? Please read this report for more in depth information, so you won't have to suffer unnecessarily.  

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