There are some instances where cancer is more likely.  For example, if there is any solid material in the cyst, then surgery is necessary to test it.  Also, if there are any papillary projections (little finger like areas sticking out), then surgery is done.  Other than that, doctors are advised to watch the cyst on ultrasound.

In a test, 38.8% of these septated ovarian cysts resolved on their own.  10% of them were removed, with none of them being cancerous.

So complex septated ovarian cysts are not necessarily considered complex anymore.  There’s a good chance that it can be treated naturally and go away on its own, without invasive surgery.

Now, cattle are often treated with hormones to increase their milk production.  Could there a connection between this hormonal treatment and the prevalence of cystic ovarian disease?  It’s very possible.  And you could even extrapolate that to humans…

It would be interesting to see if nonhormonally treated dairy cattle experience this in a signicantly less percentage than those treated.  It would definitely be a case to see if the hormones entering our diet are causing the increase in ovarian cysts that we see today.

There are two potential complications that you need to be aware of with functional cysts.  In either of these cases, you need to see a doctor right away.  These are:

• A burst cyst.
• A twisted cyst, or ovarian torsion.

If the cyst happens to burst, you will generally experience a sharp pain from the cyst bursting.  This is generally followed by a burning sensation in your abdomen.  If the fluid from inside the cyst has sprayed into the surrounding area, it irritates the tissue, which creates this burning.  Generally, a cyst is more likely to burst right after intercourse, heavy lifting, or sudden pressure on your stomach.  Of course, it may burst just because as well…

If this happens to you, call your doctor right away.  He’ll probably want to see you in order to get you started on antibiotics.  They’ll also want to make sure you don’t have any internal bleeding.  In most cases, a burst cyst will resolve itself as long as you avoid the risk of infection.

Ovarian torsion is a more severe situation.  Fortunately, it’s not very common.  In some cases, the cyst grows on a stem.  As it gets larger, it twists downwards, twisting the ovary as well.  This cuts off the blood supply to the ovary, causing intense pain.  This pain is more like a kidney stone.  If it’s not treated right away, the ovary will die from the lack of blood supply.  Treatment for this is generally surgery.

So to sum it up, if your pain suddenly worsens, and it’s not time for ovulation (middle of your menstrual cycle), call your doctor.  Each woman will experience pain differently.  A good rule of thumb is that it’s better not to take chances.  If you think something is going on, it’s better to go and get it checked out than let a potentially dangerous problem go undiscovered.

The truth is, most women do not know they have an ovarian cyst.  It’s something you usually find out when you are already at the doctor for a regular checkup.   This is actually a good thing, as most cysts will be reabsorbed by your body without you doing anything about it.  Just think of it as a little bit less stress!

However, when cysts cause problems, then you do have symptoms.  It’s in these cases that you need to be the most careful.  And sometimes, the symptomless cysts can burst on you, causing a number of complications.

So after all that, here’s a list of symptoms you may experience if you have an ovarian cyst:

• Irregular Period.
• Pelvic pain – constant or comes and goes.  May radiate across back and down legs.
• Pelvic pain right before your period starts or after it ends.
• Pain during intercourse.
• Pain during bowel movements or a feeling of pressure on your bowels.
• Symptoms similar to early pregnancy – nausea, vomiting, and breast tenderness.
• Feeling of fullness of heaviness in your lower abdomen.
• Pressure on your rectum or bladder.  Sometimes have problems emptying the bladder completely.

If you have any of these symptoms, you need to call your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately.

• Symptoms of shock – rapid breathing, light headedness, clammy skin.
• Sudden and severe abdominal or pelvic pain.
• Pain accompanied by fever or vomiting.

Information courtesy of the Mayo Clinic.