Ovarian Cysts Health Video

Ovarian cysts can have a range of causes; some cysts are part of normal menstruation functioning, though others maybe related to ovarian cancer. Learn more about ovarian cysts in this obstetrics video.

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May be benign or cancerous
Typically asymptomatic, reabsorbed by body
Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain
Birth control pills may hasten resolution of cyst
Contact health care provider

About this Author

Dr. Mieke D. Lane, D.O. currently works as an OB/GYN at the Cascadia Women's Clininc in Vancouver, Washington. Mieke Lane D.O. graduated from Des Moines University and completed her residency at St. John Detroit Riverview in Detroit, Michigan as an obstetrician/gynecologist. She has recently moved to the Northwest and enjoys exploring what it has to offer. Mieke has a special interest in Chinese language and culture and enjoys reading, listening to jazz, and cooking for friends and family.

DR. MIEKE D. LANE: Hi, I'm Doctor Mieke Lane, I work at Cascadia Women's Clinic in Vancouver, Washington. Today I want to speak with to you regarding ovarian cyst. These are cyst that can be benign or cancerous. It's normal for ovaries to make cyst each month. You may hear the terms simple, follicular or corpus luteum cyst. These are benign cyst that form on a reoccurring basis. The cysts are typically asymptomatic and can range in size from one to eight centimeters. Usually, our bodies will reabsorb these cyst and they will not cause any problems. If you do become symptomatic, you may experience abdominal pain or bloating. For evaluation, your health care provider will do a public exam and likely order an ultrasound with possible blood work. On ultrasound, the cyst will typically look like a water balloon, very simple looking in appearance, thin walls with clear fluid. You maybe monitored for four to six weeks with a repeat ultrasound to verify that the cyst has resolved or started on birth control pills to help hasten the resolution of a cyst. If the cyst remains or becomes larger, it's recommended to have the cyst removed. If your health care provider suspects ovarian cancer, you will have further work of possibly involving a gynecologist, oncologist. Contact your health care provider if you have other concerns.

Ovarian Cysts Health Video

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