Complications Associated with Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts rarely cause complications, but when they do, they may be painful and need to be removed. If an ovarian cyst breaks (ruptures) and releases fluid, it is more likely to cause pain and pressure.

A large, heavy cyst can cause the ovary to twist and cut off its blood supply. This is called torsion. It is usually very painful and requires emergency surgery to save the ovary. Torsion is more likely with the rarer forms of ovarian cysts, such as dermoid cysts.

Ovarian Cysts and Cancer

Functional cysts are almost never malignant, especially when they are discovered prior to menopause. Doctors can usually distinguish a simple ovarian cyst from a cancerous growth by looking at the ultrasound images. There is no evidence to suggest that women who are prone to developing ovarian cysts are any more likely to get cancer than other women are.

After menopause, the risk of ovarian cancer increases. If you have gone through menopause, your doctor may suggest removing the cyst. In most cases, even when a cyst is removed from a post-menopausal woman, it is not cancerous. The removal is done as a precaution because age is the clearest risk factor for ovarian cancer.