What is the treatment for ovarian cysts?
Your specialist will advise on the best course of action. This depend on factors such as your age, whether you are past the menopause, the appearance and size of the cyst from the ultrasound scan and whether you have symptoms.
Observation
Many small ovarian cysts will resolve and disappear over a few months. You may be advised to have a repeat ultrasound scan in a month or so. If the cyst goes away then no further action is needed.
Operation
Removal of an ovarian cyst may be advised, especially if you have symptoms or if the cyst is large. Sometimes the specialist may want to reomve it to determine exactly which type of cyst it is and make sure there are no cancer cells in it. Most smaller cysts can be removed by a laparoscopic surgery ('keyhole' surgery). Some cysts require a more traditional style operation.
The type of the operation depends on factors such as the type of cyst, your age, whether cancer is suspected or ruled out. In some cases, just the cyst is removed and the ovary tissue preserved. In some cases, the ovary is also removed, and sometimes other nearby structures such as the uterus and the other ovary. Your specialist will advise on the options for your individual situation.
Endometriosis related cysts and polycystic ovary syndrome
See the separate leaflets about these conditions and their treatment.
© EMIS 2009 Reviewed: 19 Sep 2008
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Brenda, over 2 years
Hi I have been diagnosed with a ovarian cyst, I am 55yrs old I have pain in my right side in my abdoman radiating into my thigh hip and buttock, I also have pain down my leg and it strikes like a knife the doctor tells me that this is sciatica, I got these symptoms at the same time I would like to know is it possible that the cyst could be on a nerve which is causing the pain down my leg I am waiting to see a gynocologist.
Report this commentsue, over 2 years
i have an ovarian cyst about 10cm surrounded by lots of fluid. ca-125 is normal but have presure in abdomen and back and sometimes urinary urgency. I am 50 years old and have had a hysterectomy and one ovaryremoved for emdometriosis - but still worried about cancer.Awaiting the results of mri and ultasound but i am expecting it to be removed soon. just waiting to hear from my consultant.
Report this commentShyanne Sands, over 2 years
I just turned 18 in december, I was dignosed with ovarian cyst when I was 16, I have had constant stomach pain from that time on, that pain has been so bad that it has had me doubled over, or in bed for weeks at a time. I love kids, but I just keep getting told that I will not be able to have kids with these promblems...and I want to go in and have these cyst removed to take away that pain and to hopefully one day have a child. Doctors around here are hard to get what you want them to do. I have to go in wensday morning and do one of the scans that they were talking about in this info and hopefully after this is done they will find something out and go in and remove the cyst. I am just so tired of all the pain that I have to go through, and its not just an every once and a while thing, sometimes I will have this pain every so often but sometimes it is daily, as for now it has been going on for almost a week now and I just want it to go away and be able to get up and go to work and spend time with my friends and family instead of being uncomftable all the time...if any one has any infromation or advise I would love to hear about it...
Report this commentslagana, over 2 years
Hi! I have an ovarian cyst, as large as 15 X 15 cm. The pain started 3-4 months ago. The size of the cyst gives me a terrible felling, I'm at the age of 31, never had problems with menstrual cyclus. Still single, no kids, so I've never been pregnant. At the moment, except the stomac pain, there are no other simptomes. My question is, do I have to do laparoscopy or not?
Report this commentsara, over 2 years
hi jodie, i'm 18 the first time i was diagnosed with having cysts was just before i was 16. the pain was agony. scans showed it was the size of a tennis ball. i waqs told to have a baby then as it ruptured and scarred my ovary. i think it's great if you and your paqrtner are ready to have a baby as i go through a huge amount of pain as i don't want a hysterectomy but have been told my chances are very low of conceiving. however don't be scared as i know a lot of friends who get cysts but its just a natural thing which comes and goes. my doctor has also said that it is natural for a lot of women to get cysts regularly and not even know. xx
Report this commentjodie, over 2 years
hi i am 19 and i have a cyst on my left ovary it is 4cm wide at the minute i have got to have another scan i a few months and a internal but me and my partner are trying for a baby i dont have periods but i would just liketo o if this could stop my chances of getting pregnant. thank you jodie.
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briege, about 1 year
Hi I was told i have a cyst on my right ovary, I had a hesteractomy over a year ago, and thats when it all started, i thought it was all in my head , and that people were fed up listening 2 me about my pain, that is how long i have had the pain 4 , i just want rid of it..
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