Types of Ovarian cysts

• Functional ovarian cysts - occurring during ovulation and often disappearing during menstruation. Cannot occur during menopause.
• Endometriomas - related to endometriosis; may be "chocolate cysts".
• Benign cystic tumors (cystadenomas) - benign and often fat-filled;
• Dermoid cysts (ovary) - a type of benign cystic tumor with hair, bone, or other abnormal structure.
• Multiple Cysts (ovary) - many small cysts; possibly caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
• Follicular cyst - a cyst when a follicle does not release the egg.
• Corpus luteum cyst - cyst formation after a follicle has released its egg.

Types discussion:

Most cysts are benign (not cancerous). A few cysts, though, may turn out to be malignant (cancerous). For this reason, your doctor should check all cysts. If ovarian cysts are found early, many of the problems they cause can be treated. There are different types of ovarian cysts:

Functional cysts - These cysts are completely normal and form during ovulation. The follicles (sacs) on the ovary that contain the egg often do not mature, and become cysts. These cysts usually disappear during menstruation, before another menstrual cycle begins. If not, they will shrink in about one to three months. Your doctor may want to check in a few months to make sure the cyst has gotten smaller. Only women who are ovulating form functional cysts. If you are in menopause or past menopause and not having periods, you should not have functional cysts.

Endometriomas - These cysts develop in women who have endometriosis, a condition in which tissue from the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows in other areas, such as on the fallopian tubes, the ovaries, and on other organs outside of the uterus in the stomach. These may be filled with a thick, brown blood and so also are called "chocolate cysts." Because uterine tissue is sensitive to hormones, it bleeds monthly, which may cause it to form a growing cyst on the ovary. These cysts can be painful during sexual intercourse and during menstruation.

Benign cystic tumors (cystadenomas) - These tumors are non-cancerous and are often filled with a fatty liquid. They develop from cells on the outer surface of the ovary. Some of these tumors, called dermoid cysts, are lined with structures such as hair, or pieces of bone. They are often small and may not cause symptoms. They can, however, become large and uncomfortable.

Multiple Cysts - Women who do not ovulate regularly can develop multiple cysts. This is a disorder in which the ovaries are enlarged and contain many small cysts. This can be caused by a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Symptoms of PCOS include irregular menstrual periods, infertility, and increased body hair. (Source: excerpt from Ovarian Cysts: NWHIC)

Ovarian cysts: Rare Types

Rare types of medical conditions and diseases in related medical categories:

• Women's Reproductive Health -- rare types of diseases:
  • Overactive Bladder Syndrome -- Rare Types
  • PCOS -- Rare Types
  • Chlamydia -- Rare Types
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease -- Rare Types
  • Cervical Cancer -- Rare Types
  • Breast Cancer -- Rare Types
  • Ovarian Cancer -- Rare Types
  • Von Willebrand Disease -- Rare Types
  • more ...»
• more rare diseases...»

Ovarian cysts: Related Disease Topics

More general medical disease topics related to Ovarian cysts include:

• Ovary conditions
• Cyst

Research More About Ovarian cysts

• Ovarian cysts: Introduction
• Symptoms: Ovarian cysts
• Complications: Ovarian cysts
• Causes: Ovarian cysts
• Treatments: Ovarian cysts