Gynecology

Ovarian Masses

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Many women at some time in their lives will be diagnosed with an ovarian mass or cyst. An ovarian cyst is a closed sac within the ovary that contains fluid or solid material.

Sometimes cysts are found because a woman is having pain or discomfort, and sometimes they are felt on a routine pelvic examination. The majority of ovarian cysts in pre-menopausal women will be "normal" cysts, related to development of the egg in the ovary and ovulation. These cysts will almost always go away over time.

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