Information on Ovarian Cyst Types

Although usually not a problem, functional ovarian cysts are a problem common to many women. Ovarian cysts can be 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.

A follicular cyst is a simple type of ovarian cyst that can form when ovulation does not occur or when a mature follicle collapses on itself. It can grow to about 2.3 inches in diameter but usually produces no symptoms and disappears by itself after a few months.

A corpus luteum cyst can result when the ovarian gland produces progesterone during ovulation and a egg is released as the menstrual cycle progresses. A round gland called the corpus luteum is filled with fluid and about a inch in diameter when healthy and functioning properly. Generally they appear in the early months or pregnancy or even just at the end of the menstrual cycle and are asymptomatic, healing on their own without symptoms and may never even be noticed.

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 can develop dermoid cysts at any time and age, but dermoid cysts are a higher risk during the childbearing years. A dermoid cyst is one type of an ovarian cyst that grows from the totipotential germ cell in the ovaries. Tissues such as bone, teeth and hair can form from this ovarian cell. Dermoid cysts may contain solid physical tissue. Sometimes doctors find hair and teeth forming in these cysts. They are commonly removed because they may block the flow of blood to the ovaries.

Endometriosis and tumors are covered under pathological ovarian cysts. While rare, this type of ovarian cyst can only be properly diagnosed after a thorough exam by a doctor. Pathological ovarian cysts can be found in both their benign, non-cancerous form and malignant, cancerous forms. Quick treatment is the best solution once a tumor has been found being that they can be rather persistent, swollen and have a thick exterior's. The other end of the spectrum is the endometrioid cyst caused by endometriosis. Endometriosis is when a small piece of endometrial tissue bleeds, falls off and moves to the inside of the ovaries where it reattaches itself. The prime reproductive years in a womans life is when this generally happens, but pathological cysts are still much less common then functional cysts.

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.