What is an Ovarian Cyst?
An ovarian cyst can usually be felt during a pelvic examination or seen on an ultrasound or computerized tomography (CT) scan. In reproductive age women, most are functional cysts and are associated with ovulation. However, ovarian cancer can be found in as many as 20 percent of women with a persistent cyst. Women with persistent ovarian cysts should have an ultrasound or CT examination. In general, if the cyst is larger than a tennis ball, solid, and cystic, associated with abdominal fluid, bilateral, or feels unmovable on pelvic examination, the physician will make a small incision and use a special scope to examine the cyst more closely. In women past menopause, a physician may test for elevated levels of a particular type of serum in the body when deciding whether or not to operate. This serum is called CA-125. For a very suspicious cyst, patients may be asked to consult with a gynecologic oncologist.
