Gynecology

Ovarian Masses

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Diagnosis

When a cyst or mass is identified in a woman who is still having normal periods, the most important thing to do is see if it gets smaller or resolves over the course of four to six weeks. An ultrasound, a process that uses sound to create an image somewhat similar to an X-ray, is an accurate and painless way to monitor what is happening with an ovarian cyst. Cysts that get smaller between two different ultrasounds usually require no further treatment.

Ovarian cysts that do not get significantly smaller or go away over the course of a month or two are more likely to be tumors. These tumors are generally benign, or non-cancerous, especially in younger women. Sometimes ultrasound or other X-ray tests like an MRI can determine that the cysts are the non-cancerous type, and if they are small and don't cause any symptoms, they can often just be monitored periodically. If a cyst is larger, or if it is difficult to accurately determine exactly what kind of cyst is present, it most likely will need to be removed surgically.

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated February 28, 2008