What should you know?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled or complex structure that develops in or on an ovary. Many cysts in reproductive-age patients are functional, benign and resolve within a few menstrual cycles, but not every adnexal mass behaves the same way.
Clinical importance depends on age, menopausal status, size, ultrasound appearance and symptoms. A simple thin-walled cyst is managed differently from a lesion with thick septa, solid tissue or suspicious blood flow.
Common symptoms and signs
- One-sided or intermittent pelvic pain
- Pressure, fullness or abdominal bloating
- Cycle changes or pain during intercourse
- No symptoms, with incidental detection
Diagnosis and the role of ultrasound
Transvaginal and, when appropriate, transabdominal ultrasound evaluates size, wall, internal contents, septa, solid components and Doppler flow. Follow-up timing is based on morphology and the clinical setting.
- Simple versus complex morphology
- Location and measurements
- Change from prior imaging
- Free pelvic fluid and Doppler features
Treatment and next steps
A typical functional cyst often needs observation and repeat ultrasound only. Persistent, enlarging, symptomatic or suspicious lesions may require gynecologic review, additional imaging or surgery.
When is urgent care needed?
- Sudden severe one-sided pain, especially with nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, fainting, weakness or cold sweats
- Pain with fever, heavy bleeding or possible pregnancy