The short answer: Most ovarian cysts (often searched as ovary me ganth, ओवरी में गांठ, or ovary me cyst) are harmless, and many go away on their own. A simple, fluid-filled cyst under about 5 cm in a woman who still has periods is usually just re-scanned in 6–12 weeks. A cyst of about 5–10 cm, or one that keeps growing, is followed more closely, and a specialist is more likely to review a cyst that is larger than about 8–10 cm, has solid parts, or is found after menopause. Sudden, severe pelvic pain needs a same-day check.
On this page
- What Are Ovarian Cysts?
- Types of Ovarian Cysts
- When to Watch and When to Worry
- Can an Ovarian Cyst Be Cancer?
What Are Ovarian Cysts?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac within or on the surface of an ovary. They are extraordinarily common — the majority of ovulating women will develop at least one ovarian cyst during their lifetime. Most are functional: they form as part of the normal menstrual cycle and resolve spontaneously within one to three menstrual cycles without any treatment.
However, some ovarian cysts require monitoring or surgical management. Understanding the difference between a functional cyst and a cyst that needs further evaluation is the essential clinical question. Our page on the assessment of ovarian cysts explains the words used on scan reports, such as simple, complex and septations.
Types of Ovarian Cysts
- Follicular cysts — the most common type, form when a follicle fails to release an egg. Typically resolve within 6 weeks.
- Corpus luteum cysts — form after ovulation, can bleed internally and cause acute pain if they rupture.
- Endometriomas — “chocolate cysts” filled with old blood from endometriosis implants. Associated with pain and fertility problems.
- Dermoid cysts (teratomas) — contain tissue such as hair, skin, or teeth; usually benign but can grow large.
- Cystadenomas — arise from the ovarian surface; can become very large. Serous and mucinous types exist.
- Polycystic ovaries — multiple small follicular cysts associated with PCOS; not a traditional “cyst” requiring surgery.
When to Watch and When to Worry
A simple, unilocular (single-compartment), thin-walled cyst under about 5 cm in a woman who still has periods (premenopausal) is very likely to be harmless. It is usually watched, with a repeat ultrasound in 6–12 weeks to check that it is shrinking or gone.
Features that mean a cyst is looked at more closely include:
- Size: cysts of about 5–10 cm, or ones that keep growing, are followed more closely; cysts larger than about 8–10 cm are more likely to be reviewed by a specialist
- Complex features: thick walls, internal septations (dividing walls), solid parts, or papillary projections (small finger-like growths on the inner wall)
- Bilateral cysts (on both ovaries)
- A raised CA-125 blood test. Most labs treat below 35 U/mL as normal (check your report’s own range), and many harmless conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids or a period, can raise it. Our CA-125 test guide lists the common non-cancer reasons for a raised result.
- A cyst found after menopause — any new cyst after menopause needs a careful look, although many small simple cysts at this age are also harmless
- A cyst that grows quickly on repeat scans
- Fluid in the abdomen (ascites)
Size alone does not decide whether you need an operation: how the cyst looks, your age, your symptoms and blood tests matter as much. Read when ovarian cyst surgery is considered to see when only the cyst can be removed and the ovary kept.
Two kinds of symptoms need attention. Sudden, severe pelvic pain, especially with vomiting or feeling faint, can mean a cyst has burst or twisted the ovary (torsion) and needs a same-day check. Bloating, feeling full quickly, pelvic or tummy pain, or needing to pass urine urgently that is new and happens on most days (more than 12 times a month) should be checked by a gynaecologist; the first tests are usually a pelvic ultrasound and a CA-125 blood test. Most women with these symptoms do not have ovarian cancer.
Can an Ovarian Cyst Be Cancer?
The vast majority of ovarian cysts — particularly in premenopausal women — are benign. However, ovarian cancer can present as a cyst or as a cystic-solid mass on ultrasound. If a cyst looks suspicious on the scan, especially after menopause or together with a clearly raised CA-125, it is best reviewed by a gynaecological oncologist (a women’s cancer specialist) before surgery. In that situation, planning matters: removing the cyst in one piece without bursting it, and doing the right checks during the same operation (staging), can make later treatment simpler if cancer is found. Even among cysts that need this closer look, most turn out not to be cancer.
For specialist assessment of an ovarian cyst in Ahmedabad, contact Dr. Nishtha Tripathi Patel at +91 76988 00333.