Ovarian Cysts Specialist | Ovarian Cancer
While most ovarian cysts are benign, it’s important to monitor them once they’ve been detected. If one does require surgical removal, you should always be made aware of your minimally-invasive options.
At the Advanced Women’s Health Institute, we’re committed to educating you on the least-invasive options available to you, including cyst removal. We’ll listen and work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that works for you.
If you’re concerned about an ovarian cyst, schedule an appointment with us today.
FAQs on Ovarian Cysts
What is an ovarian cyst?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs within the ovary. These may be physiologic or pathologic. Follicles are the units within the ovary that contain the egg. They are fluid filled and are technically cysts. But they are supposed to be there and come and go each cycle. Many ultrasound reports state there are “cysts in the ovary”. This statement can be alarming to a nonmedical person. A pathologic cyst is one that requires surgery. There are various names based on the cells within the cyst. More common pathologic cysts are serous, mucinous, dermoid and endometrioma.
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?
Ultrasound is the recommended technology used to diagnose cysts. CT and/or MRI are unnecessary. Cysts are classified as simple or complex. Simple cysts appear on ultrasound as round, black circles inside the ovary, while complex cysts may appear to have internal structures.
If a cyst is detected, will I need surgery?
Simple cysts may be physiologic and go away on their own. So a follow up ultrasound is important,There is no need to rush to surgery.. A persistent simple cyst in a premenopausal woman is most likely benign. If the cyst is causing problems or grows over time then it should be removed. A complex cyst may also be followed to make sure it is indeed pathologic. Ovarian cysts are almost always benign in premenopausal women. There is no need to operate immediately unless there is major pain.
If my cyst needs to be removed, what are my treatment options?
We treat almost every ovarian cyst with advanced laparoscopic surgery. We suture and use cost-effective instruments to reduce obstacles to your recovery and keep your procedure affordable. Using a robotic platform for an ovarian cyst would be more painful, more costly, and unnecessary.
The most important question to ask the surgeon is whether or not they suture laparoscopically. This is extremely important if you have an endometrioma. Endometriomas bleed more than any other cyst. Cauterizing bleeding in the cyst bed will damage the follicles and harm future fertility. Suturing avoids ovarian damage.
