Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Ovarian cysts) that could possibly cause Ovarian cysts includes:
More causes: see full list of causes for Ovarian cysts
Other conditions that might have Ovarian cysts as a complication may, potentially, be an underlying cause of Ovarian cysts. Our database lists the following as having Ovarian cysts as a complication of that condition:
Conditions listing Ovarian cysts as a symptom may also be potential underlying causes of Ovarian cysts. Our database lists the following as having Ovarian cysts as a symptom of that condition:
The following drugs, medications, substances or toxins are some of the possible
causes of Ovarian cysts as a symptom.
This list is incomplete and various other drugs or substances
may cause your symptoms.
Always advise your doctor of any medications or treatments you are using,
including prescription, over-the-counter, supplements, herbal or alternative treatments.
See full list of 17 medications causing Ovarian cysts
As with all medical conditions, there may be many causal factors. Further relevant information on causes of Ovarian cysts may be found in:
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE! Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration, for more information about the causes of Ovarian cysts.
Exactly what causes ovarian cancer isn't known, but the greatest number of cases occurs in the fifth decade of life. However, it can occur during childhood. Other contributing factors include infertility; nulliparity; familial tendency; ovarian dysfunction; irregular menses; and possible exposure to asbestos, talc, and industrial pollutants.
Primary epithelial tumors arise in the ovarian surface epithelium; germ cell tumors, in the ovum itself; and sex cord tumors, in the ovarian stroma. Ovarian tumors spread rapidly intraperitoneally by local extension or surface seeding and, occasionally, through the lymphatics and the bloodstream. Generally, extraperitoneal spread is through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, which may cause pleural effusions. Other metastasis is rare.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Follicular cysts are generally very small and arise from follicles that overdistend. When such cysts persist into menopause, they secrete excessive amounts of estrogen in response to the hypersecretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone that normally occurs during menopause. (See Follicular cyst.)
Granulosa-lutein cysts, which occur within the corpus luteum, are functional, nonneoplastic enlargements of the ovaries caused by excessive accumulation of blood during the hemorrhagic phase of the menstrual cycle. Theca-lutein cysts are commonly bilateral and filled with clear, straw-colored fluid; they’re often associated with hydatidiform mole, choriocarcinoma, or hormone therapy (with human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG] or clomiphene citrate).
Polycystic ovarian disease is part of the Stein-Leventhal syndrome and stems from endocrine abnormalities.
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
The exact cause of ovarian cancer is unknown, but its incidence is noticeably higher in women of upper socioeconomic levels between the ages of 20 and 54. However, it can occur during childhood. Certain genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, may increase risk. Other contributing factors include age at menopause; infertility; celibacy; high-fat diet; exposure to asbestos, talc, and industrial pollutants; nulliparity; familial tendency; and history of breast or uterine cancer.
Primary epithelial tumors arise in the müllerian epithelium; germ cell tumors, in the ovum itself; and sex cord tumors, in the ovarian stroma (the ovary’s supporting framework).
Ovarian tumors spread rapidly intraperitoneally by local extension or surface seeding and, occasionally, through the lymphatics and the bloodstream. Generally, extraperitoneal spread is through the diaphragm into the chest cavity, which may cause pleural effusions. Other types of metastasis are rare.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Follicular cysts are generally small and arise from follicles that overdistend instead of going through the atretic stage of the menstrual cycle. When such cysts persist into menopause, they secrete excessive amounts of estrogen in response to the hypersecretion of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone that normally occurs during menopause.
Granulosa-lutein cysts, which occur within the corpus luteum, are functional, nonneoplastic enlargements of the ovaries caused by excessive accumulation of blood during the hemorrhagic phase of the menstrual cycle.
Theca-lutein cysts are commonly bilateral and filled with clear, straw-colored fluid; they’re commonly associated with hydatidiform mole, choriocarcinoma, or hormone therapy (with human chorionic gonadotropin [HCG] or clomiphene citrate).
Polycystic ovarian disease is part of Stein-Leventhal syndrome and stems from endocrine abnormalities.
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
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