Ovarian Cysts

The Challenge

• Description: An ovarian cyst is a cystic growth within the ovary, generally arising from epithelial components and most often benign.

• Scope of the Problem: Benign ovarian tumors are most frequently diagnosed at the time of routine examination and are asymptomatic. When symptoms do occur, they generally are either catastrophic (as when bleeding, rupture, or torsion occur) or indolent and nonspecific (such as a vague sense of pressure or fullness).

• Objectives of Management: The most important objective of managing an ovarian cyst is the timely diagnosis of its type and origin. Subsequent therapy and assessment of risk are based on the correctness of the diagnosis. For acutely symptomatic cysts, rapid evaluation and intervention may be necessary.