Doç. Dr. Cengiz ANDAN Online
×Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop within or on the ovary tissue. Most are benign (non-cancerous) and are generally seen in women of reproductive age. While some cysts cause no symptoms, others can lead to severe pain or complications that require emergency intervention.
Ovarian cysts are classified according to their structure and formation mechanism:
1. Functional Cysts
Follicle cyst: The continued growth of a follicle that fails to rupture during ovulation.
Corpus luteum cyst: Fluid accumulation within the structure formed after ovulation.
2. Pathological Cysts
Dermoid cyst (mature cystic teratoma): Benign tumors that can contain different tissues such as hair, teeth.
Endometrioma (chocolate cyst): A blood-filled cyst that develops in the ovary in cases of endometriosis.
Cystadenoma: A benign mass on the ovarian surface filled with fluid or mucus.
Malignant cysts: Although rare, some cystic structures can be ovarian cancer.
Pain in the pelvic or lower abdominal area
Menstrual irregularities
Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
Frequent urination, constipation, or bloating
A palpable mass (or sensation of a mass) in the abdomen
Sudden, severe pain (in the case of cyst rupture or ovarian torsion)
Hormonal imbalances
Ovulation problems
Endometriosis
Pregnancy
Pelvic infections
Gynecological exam: Detection of an enlarged ovary or mass.
Ultrasonography (USG): Evaluates the cyst’s size, structure, and contents.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Used for complex cysts or when malignancy is suspected.
Blood tests: Tumor markers such as CA-125, especially in postmenopausal patients.
Cyst rupture: Sudden and severe pelvic pain, sometimes with internal bleeding.
Ovarian torsion: The twisting of the ovary on itself, cutting off blood flow; requires emergency surgery.
Treatment is planned based on the cyst’s type, size, symptoms, and the patient’s age/desire for children (fertility goals).
1. Follow-up and Monitoring (Watchful Waiting)
Small, functional cysts usually resolve (disappear) on their own within a few months.
Regular ultrasound follow-up is performed.
2. Medical (Drug) Treatment
New cyst formation can be prevented with birth control pills.
Hormone-suppressing treatments for endometriosis-related cysts.
3. Surgical Treatment
Laparoscopic cystectomy: The cyst is removed, and the ovary is preserved.
Oophorectomy: Removal of the ovary (in cases of suspected malignancy).
Emergency surgery: Performed in cases of torsion or rupture.
Functional cysts can recur.
If endometriosis or a hormonal disorder is present, the risk of new cyst formation is high.
Endometriomas and large cysts can reduce ovarian reserve.
Planning for fertility preservation before and after surgery is important.
Does every ovarian cyst require surgery? No. Small, asymptomatic cysts can be monitored.
Can a cyst turn into cancer? Most are benign, but the risk increases in postmenopausal women or with rapidly growing cysts.
Is rupturing a cyst harmful? The spontaneous or surgical rupture of a cyst can increase the risk of internal bleeding; uncontrolled intervention is not recommended.
As Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cengiz Andan, I utilize minimally invasive surgery and personalized approaches in the treatment of ovarian cysts. The goal is to improve the patient’s quality of life by preserving healthy ovarian tissue.
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