Types of Ovarian Cysts

Because ovarian cysts can be caused by a variety of factors, the types of ovarian cysts you can develop also vary. Although the term "ovarian cyst" may seem intimidating, these cysts are actually quite common in women, especially during menstruation. During a woman’s menstrual cycle, it’s common for her to develop small, fluid or egg filled cysts in and around the ovaries. As her cycle progresses, these sacs break, releasing eggs into the fallopian tube.

 

These harmless ovarian cysts, known as functional cysts, are generally asymptomatic, meaning they exist without producing any symptoms.

 

However, in some cases, ovarian cysts can be painful, causing you to suffer from uncomfortable symptoms. Occasionally, ovarian cysts put your health in danger, especially if they turn out to be cancerous. There are many types of ovarian cysts that can threaten your health. As a result, getting regular pap smears is important to identifying whether or not you suffer from a malignant ovarian cyst.

 

In this section, we will describe the various types of ovarian cysts. Our articles will explain the causes, symptoms and treatments for each type of ovarian cyst.

The corpus luteum is an ovarian gland that manufactures progesterone once an egg is released to ready the uterus for possible pregnancy. Healthy corpus luteums are round, fluid-filled glands that are roughly an inch in diameter (for a growth to be identified as a cyst, it need only be a half inch in diameter).

 

Cysts on the corpus luteum are typically asymptomatic and tend to develop during the end of a woman’s monthly cycle. These cysts are also common in early stages of pregnancy. In most cases, corpus luteum cysts disappear on their own without any necessary treatment. Keep reading to learn more about corpus luteum cysts.

Functional cysts that contain or release blood are known as hemorrhagic cysts. While these cysts don’t always burst, if or when they do, they leak blood and cause a generic burning sensation throughout the pelvic region. Hemorrhagic cysts are common phenomena that typically don’t require treatment. Most women have experienced a hemorrhagic cyst at some point in their lives.

 

In some cases, your doctor may suggest surgically removing the hemorrhagic cyst, especially if he thinks that it could indicate the presence of endometriosis. Read on to learn more about hemorrhagic cysts.

This type of ovarian cyst grows from a form of germ cell in the ovaries (namely the totipotential germ cell) that is a fundamental cell from which a variety of other tissues, such as hair, teeth and bones, grow. As a result, dermoid cysts tend to contain a variety of different types of solid physical tissue. For example, it’s common for doctors to see hair and teeth formations in dermoid cysts.

 

Although women of any age can develop dermoid cysts, those who are in their prime childbearing years are at the highest risk of suffering from dermoid cysts. Because these cysts can cut off the ovaries’ blood supply, especially the larger dermoid cysts, removing them is the most common treatment option. Keep reading to learn more about dermoid cysts.

 

Greenfield, Marjorie. Dr. Spock (2007). Corpus Luteum Cyst of Pregnancy (2004). Retrieved July 5, 2007 from: http://www.drspock.com/article/0,1510,5335,00.html.

The Virtual CB-GYN Office (2007). Functional Cysts (2003). Retrieved July 5, 2007 from:
http://www.gynob.com/GBUg.htm.