Ovarian Cysts
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stoppler
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
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Cyst Symptoms and Causes
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel, Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
 A cyst is a closed sac- or bladder-like structure that is
not a normal part of the tissue where it is found. Cysts are common and can
occur anywhere in the body in persons of any age. Cysts usually contain a
gaseous, liquid, or semisolid substance. Cysts vary in size; they may be
detectable only under a microscope or they can grow so large that they displace
normal organs and tissues. The outer wall of a cyst is called the capsule.
Cysts can arise through a variety of processes in the body, including:
- "wear and tear" or simple obstructions to the flow of
fluid,
- infections,
- tumors,
- chronic inflammatory
conditions,
- genetic (inherited)
conditions, and
- defects in developing organs in the embryo.
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What is the ovary and what are ovarian cysts?
The ovary (female gonad) is one of a pair of reproductive glands in women that are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. Each ovary is about the size and shape of an almond. The ovaries produce eggs (ova) and female hormones. The ovaries are the main source of female hormones, which control the development of female body characteristics, such as the breasts, body shape, and body hair. They also regulate the
menstrual cycle and pregnancy. Ovarian cysts are closed, sac-like structures within an ovary that contain a liquid, gaseous, or semisolid substance.
What causes ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts form for numerous reasons. The most common type is a follicular cyst, which results from the growth of a follicle. A follicle is the normal fluid-filled sac that contains an egg. Follicular cysts form when the follicle grows larger than normal during the menstrual cycle and does not open to release the egg. Usually, follicular cysts resolve spontaneously over the course of days to months. Cysts can contain blood (hemorrhagic cysts) from injury or leakage of tiny blood vessels into the egg sac.
Another type of ovarian cyst that is related to the menstrual cycle is a corpus
luteum cyst. The corpus luteum is an area of tissue within the ovary that occurs after an egg has been released from a follicle. If a pregnancy doesn't occur, the corpus luteum usually breaks down and disappears. It may, however, fill with fluid or blood and persist on the ovary. Usually, this cyst is found on only one side and produces no symptoms.
Occasionally, the tissues of the ovary develop abnormally to form other body tissues such as hair or teeth. Cysts with these abnormal tissues are called benign
cystic teratomas or dermoid cysts.
Endometriosis is a condition in which cells that normally grow inside the uterus (womb), instead grow outside the uterus. When endometriosis involves the ovary, the area of endometrial tissue may grow and bleed over time, forming a brown-colored cystic area sometimes referred to as a
chocolate cyst or endometrioma.
Both benign and malignant tumors of the ovary may also contain cysts. Furthermore, the condition known as
polycystic ovarian syndrome is characterized by the presence of multiple cysts within both ovaries.
Next: What symptoms are caused by ovarian cysts? »
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