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.

Some of the common herbs used to treat ovarian cysts are burdock, mullein, St. John’s Wort, Black Cohosh and dandelion.    St. John’s Wort is expecially known for interacting with other medications.  It tends to affect how the body absorbs prescriptions medicines, which can be especially harmful if you are taking drugs for blood pressure or a heart condition.

US News lists nine supplements to avoid while taking heart medication.  With herbal remedies, it’s important to remember to check with your doctor to make sure you avoid any interactions, especially if you are taking any prescription medication.  You can also consult a herbalist or a naturopathic doctor.

Most of the time, this type of cyst is harmless.  However, there is a small chance (less than 5%) that it is cancerous.  For this reason, most doctors will recommend you have surgery so they can biopsy the cyst.  It is the only way to absolutely rule out cancer.

There are a few tests that you should ask for before you have the surgery.  These can give you and the doctor a better idea of what you are dealing with.  One of the most common is a blood test for CA-125.  Elevated levels of this hormone are found in 80% of women with ovarian cancer.  If it’s not elevated, then your chances of cancer are somewhat less.  However, having normal levels does not completely rule out cancer.

It can be scary to think about having surgery for this, especially when the chances of it being cancer are relatively low.  However, since ovarian cancer is usually not diagnosed until it’s too late to treat, it’s best to rule out the possibility while it is still relatively contained.

Usually, doctors will do a laparascopy to remove the cyst.  However, if the solid component is over 2 ½ inches in diameter, they may need to do a traditional abdominal surgery.  Also, if the doctor finds evidence of cancer while doing the laparascopy, he will often change the procedure in order to make sure any possible cancer is removed.  It will cause you to have a longer recovery time, but if it turns out you do have cancer, it is worth it.

Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Cysts

The main symptom of PCOS is an irregular menstrual cycle.  All women who have polycystic ovarian cysts do not regularly ovulate, so they do not have irregular periods.  Often, women with this syndrome will have a number of small cysts in their ovaries.  There are a few other symptoms that can be present when you have PCOS.  These are:

• Acne
• Obesity
• Excess Hair Growth
• Oily Skin
• Infertility
• Dandruff
• Skin Discolorations
• High Cholesterol Level
• Elevated Blood Pressure

All or only a few of these symptoms may be present.  PCOS varies from woman to woman.

Causes of Polycystic Ovarian Cysts

No one knows for sure the cause of PCOS.  While most women with this disease have numerous small cysts on their ovaries, the cysts are not believed to be the cause of the disease.  However, scientists have found a few correlations with other health problems.  For example, women with PCOS often have a sister or a mother with the same disease.  Also, many women with PCOS also experience problems with their insulin levels.  They also produce androgen from their ovaries.

Treatment of Polycystic Ovarian Cysts

In general, doctors will try to control PCOS through medication.   This can include birth control and hormonal therapy.  Women with PCOS tend to have problems getting pregnant due to a lack of ovulation, but a fertility specialist may be able to help.  Also, many women have had success in controlling their PCOS through natural remedies, such as diet.

In extreme cases, doctors may remove the ovaries to cure this disease.  However, you should know that in some cases ovarian tissue is left, leaving the potential for future cysts.  Also, losing your ovaries can cause problems as you age.  You will likely need to take artificial hormones to prevent some of these problems.

Types of Cystadenomas

Most of the time, ovarian cystadenomas are not cancerous.  However, they can grow to an enormous size if left untreated. A cystadenoma will come in one of two types: serous and mucinous.

Serous cystadenomas are the less severe form.  Serous cysts are filled with fluid, generally a thin, watery liquid.  These type of cysts usually remain between two and six centimeters in diameter.  They can be removed surgically through laparascopy.

Mucinous cystadenomas are filled with a thick, mucous like fluid.  These can grow exceptionally large.  Some have been known to weigh as much as 100 pounds.  These need to be removed surgically, as they will continue to grow until they are removed.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Ovarian Cystadenomas

Ovarian cystadenomas are generally discovered during a routine pelvic exam.  The doctor will feel a mass on the ovary and order an ultrasound.  The ultrasound will reveal what type of cyst is present and what it’s filled with.  Most of these masses are not cancerous; however, if the cyst is made of solid material, surgery will generally need to be performed.

To remove a cystadenoma, most doctors will do a laparascopy.  During this procedure, a small incision is cut in the abdomen.  The doctor inserts a narrow tube with a camera and light at the end.  He or she then attempts to remove the cyst.  In many cases, the ovary is removed as well.

If the cyst is over 2.5 centimeters in diameter, then regular surgery will need to be performed.  The doctor will check to make sure that there is no other growths in your abdomen.  If cancer is suspected, a hysterectomy may be performed.

Endometrioid cysts refers to this tissue growing in the ovaries.  It can create blood filled cysts that bleed every month.  It’s very painful, and can affect a woman’s fertility.

Causes of Endometrioid Cysts

The exact cause of endometrioisis has not been determined.  It is more common in women of childbearing age, though it has been found in girls as young as 11.  It seems to be slightly more common in women who have delayed pregnancy.

One theory is that during the menstrual cycle, the menstrual flow backs up through the fallopian tubes and is deposited in other areas.  This tissue then sticks to the organs and continues to grow and bleed every month.

Another theory is that the cells outside the uterus mutate into endometrial cells.  A third possibility is that during surgery such as a C-section, endometrial cells are transferred out of the uterus into the surrounding area.

There have also been a few studies that suggest women who have endometriosis have slight differences in their immune function.  This change keeps the body from identifying endometrial cells outside the uterus and destroying them.

Endometrioid Cyst Symptoms

Endometrioid cysts can have several different effects.  Some women experience no symptoms.  Others will experience pain every menstrual cycle.  As the disease progresses, scar tissue can develop, causing infertility.

Treatment of Endometrioid Cysts

The only way to diagnose endometrioisis for sure is surgery.  However, doctors may suspect it from the rest of a woman’s symptoms and her ultrasound.  In many cases, endometriosis will resolve itself.   If not, a cocktail of drugs is usually prescribed.

The most common form of treatment is Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs.  These hormones simulate menopause, which helps the tissue to be reabsorbed.  However, these drugs have a lot of side effects.  Most doctors try to counter this by adding in small amounts of estrogen and progesterone.

There are several other drug based methods of relieving endometriosis.  For more information, please visit medicinenet.com

In severe cases, surgery is done to remove the endometrial tissue. However, this has a recurrence rate of 40%.  It’s better to try to control this disease through medication.

An ovarian dermoid cyst is an extremely rare type of nonmalignant tumor that may form within the ovary.  The medical dictionary defines it as “a bizarre tumor, usually benign, in the ovary that typically contains a diversity of tissues including hair, teeth, bone, thyroid, etc.”  This type of cyst is also called a dermoid or ovarian teratoma.

A dermoid cyst is generally removed by surgery.  It doesn’t usually cause complications unless it grows large enough to make the ovary twist.  It also may burst and need emergency surgery.

In about 2% of cases, dermoid cysts will become cancerous.  It’s important to get them treated as soon as possible.

What Causes a Dermoid Cyst?

The exact reason that a dermoid cyst is formed is not known; however, doctors do know where it comes from.  In the ovary, there are cells called oocytes.  Theses are the immature eggs.  In some rare cases, these oocytes start to divide and grow into different types of body tissue, including hair, teeth, and bone. 

How is it Diagnosed?

Dermoid cysts are usually first found during a pelvic exam.  The doctor will feel a lump on the ovary and order an ultrasound.  If the cyst that is found is filled with fluid, it’s generally a functional cyst.  But if the doctor sees that the cyst has hair, teeth or other bodily tissues in it, it will be diagnosed as a dermoid cyst.

How is it Treated?

Dermoid cysts are generally removed surgically.  If it is smaller than 2 1/2 inches in diameter, then you will have a laparascopy.  If it’s larger, then surgery is needed.  Your ovary is left unless the cyst has encompassed the whole thing.

The third most common type of functional ovarian cyst is the hemorrhagic ovarian cyst.  Also known as the blood cyst, hematocele and hematocyst, this type of cyst occurs when a blood vessel in the wall of the cyst breaks, causing the cyst to fill with blood.

Causes of Hemorrhagic Cysts

Hemorrhagic ovarian cysts start in the same way as other functional ovarian cysts.  During ovulation, the follicle, which contains the egg while it is maturing, is supposed to burst and then dissolve.  In some cases, the follicle does not dissolve or does not burst, and instead becomes filled with fluid.  This creates a functional ovarian cyst.

In the case of a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst, a blood vessel in the wall of the cyst breaks, causing the cyst to become filled with blood.  This will show up on the ultrasound as clots within the cyst. 

Symptoms of Hemorrhagic Cysts

Hemorrhagic ovarian cysts have the potential to be the most dangerous of functional ovarian cysts.  Fortunately, most tend to dissolve on their own.  In rare cases, they rupture, spilling blood into the ovary and causing severe pain.

The most common symptom of this type of cyst is a steady or sharp pain in the lower abdomen, generally located on one side.  If you experience a sudden intense pain, contact your doctor immediately.  It is possible that the cyst has ruptured, and it may require treatment to stop the bleeding.

Treatment of Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cysts

Most hemorrhagic ovarian cysts will clear up on their own.  Therefore, the only treatment generally prescribed is pain relief.  You can take acetaminophen if pregnant or ibuprofen if you are not.  You can also use heating pads and hot water bottles to increase circulation to the area and encourage the cyst to dissolve faster.

Corpus luteum cysts are one of the two most common types of ovarian cysts.  They happen frequently in pregnant women, as well as many women of childbearing age.  Most corpus luteum cysts are harmless, cause no pain, and will dissolve on their own.  In some circumstances, they can cause complications.  However, most can be treated through simple dietary changes.

Cause of Corpus Luteum Cysts

Corpus Luteum cysts are believed to be formed with small changes occur within the ovary or the menstrual cycle.  In a normal menstrual cycle, the egg is brought to maturity within a small sac called a follicle.  About fourteen days after the start of the last period, the body will signal to the ovary to release the egg.  The follicle will burst, releasing the egg to travel down to the uterus.  The follicle then dissolves.

In the case of corpus luteum cysts, the follicle does not dissolve.  Instead, it reseals itself and fills up with fluid, creating the cyst.

Diagnosis of Corpus Luteum Cysts

For most women, corpus lutuem cysts cause no symptoms.  They are generally only found during a routine pelvic exam, when the physician will feel a lump on the ovary.  They may also be found during an ultrasound performed in pregnancy.  If the doctor suspects a cyst, he will order an ultrasound to confirm that it is filled with fluid.  If it is, it is then classified as a functional cyst.  If it is solid, surgery will generally be performed in order to rule out the possibility of ovarian cancer.

Symptoms of Corpus Luteum Cysts

Most of these types of ovarian cyst produce no symptoms.  However, if the cyst grows large, it can cause pain in the lower abdomen.  This pain can either be sharp from time to time, especially after you use the bathroom or have intercourse.  It can also be a steady low ache.  For some women, the pain is felt in the lower back.

If you get a sudden sharp pain in the lower abdomen, particularly during or after intercourse, make sure to see the doctor right away.  There’s a chance that the cyst has burst.  When this happens, there is always the possibility of internal bleeding.  Your doctor will want to rule that out.

Treatment of Corpus Luteum Cysts

For most functional cysts, doctors will take a wait and see approach.  They will have you return to the office in two to three months to do another ultrasound in order to make sure the cyst has dissolved.

If it has not, the most common form of treatment is birth control pills.  However, you should know that many women experience a worsening of symptoms by going on these.  You can also try to treat the cyst naturally through dietary changes, avoiding artificial hormones, exercise, and reducing stress.

Follicular cysts are one of the two most common types of ovarian cyst. Almost every woman will experience a follicular cyst at some point in her life. For the majority of these women, the cyst causes no problems. But for a few, there can be complications.

Cause of Follicular Cysts

Follicular cysts occur because of slight changes in the ovary or the menstrual cycle. When a woman ovulates, the egg is first matured in a sac called a follicle. About 14 days after the start of her last period, the body produces estrogen to signal to the sac to burst. In some cases, the follicle does not burst and release the egg. When this happens, it may fill up with fluid and become what’s known as a follicular cyst.

Symptoms of Follicular Cysts

In most cases, a woman will not even know that she has a follicular cyst. In some cases, the cyst may cause a sharp or steady pain in the lower stomach, particularly on one side or the other. Some women experience the pain in their lower back. The pain may worsen during bowel movements as well as during and after intercourse.

If the pain worsens suddenly and becomes sharp (like being stabbed), you need to see a doctor right away. It could mean that the cyst has burst. In some cases, this causes internal bleeding which needs to be resolved right away.

How are Follicular Cysts Diagnosed?

Follicular cysts are generally detected during a normal pelvic exam, when the doctor will feel a lump on the ovary. The doctor then orders an ultrasound, which will confirm what kind of cyst it is. If it is filled with fluid and looks like a bubble, it’s considered a functional cyst. If it is solid, it’s another type of cyst which the doctor will order additional treatment for, usually surgery.

Treatment of Follicular Cysts

As long as the cyst is not causing any problems (with the exception of pain), the doctor will take a wait and see approach. Most cysts do dissolve on their own within two to three months.

However, if the cyst is large or in danger of bursting or twisting the ovary, the doctor may order surgery. This is generally done laparascopically if the cyst is smaller than two and a half inches in diameter.

If the cyst stays a reasonable size but does not dissolve, the doctor will order hormonal therapy, or birth control pills. This is believed to eliminate cysts because it regulates a woman’s hormonal levels. However, many women experience a worsening of cysts by taking birth control. A better option is to treat the cyst through eating a varied, healthy diet, exercising, reducing stress, and cutting out sources of artificial hormones.