Ovarian cysts and cancer: is there a link?

Benign or non-cancerous ovarian cysts are common in women of childbearing age. And most premenopausal women who have one at some point probably won’t even realize it.

But what are Ovarian cysts? How are they treated? And, do they ever increase your chances of developing ovarian cancer?

We went to a gynecological oncologist Travis Sims, MDfor the answers.

What are ovarian cysts and how many different types are there?

Simple ovarian cysts, also called functional cysts, are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or in the ovaries as part of the normal menstrual cycle. They come and go based on hormonal fluctuations.

There are several different types, including:

• follicular: so named because of their location in the follicles, where the eggs develop
• luteal body: this name also comes from their location – in the temporary structure that develops in an empty follicle after the release of a mature egg
• “chocolate”: supposedly because of their appearance because they are filled with a dark substance, for example blood; these include hemorrhagic cysts and sometimes ovarian endometriomas

Regardless of their name or location, simple ovarian cysts appear hollow on A scanner; they have nice clean edges and an ultrasound black interior.

Do ovarian cysts have symptoms?

Most women who have a simple ovarian cyst do not feel anything because they are not that big and they do not affect anything around them.

If they get really big, even simple ovarian cysts can become painful or start causing other problems, like constipation, as they push against other organs and structures in the pelvis.

Large and heavy cysts can also cause ovarian torsion, which is when the ovary or fallopian tube twists on itself and cuts off its blood supply.

How are ovarian cysts usually diagnosed?

Most simple ovarian cysts are discovered by chance because someone has an abdominal CT scan for appendicitis or some other reason.

Are ovarian cysts always cancerous?

Simple ovarian cysts are not cancerous. But ovarian masses that look more complex on imaging scans fall into another category.

Ovarian masses that have nodules or septations (small membranes dividing the interiors), for example, may not be benign cysts, so we’ll take a much closer look at them. We can order a tumor marker test to CA-125for example, or getting a CT scan to look for things like ascites or pockets of fluid in the belly, to determine if a lump is suspicious for ovarian cancer.

How are ovarian cysts treated?

Unless they cause pain or other symptoms, we normally overlook simple ovarian cysts. If a cyst gets really big or super uncomfortable, your gynecologist might suggest surgically removing it. But most go away on their own.

If they are not complex and concerning for cancer, we generally do not deal with them here at MD Andersonbut sometimes we do if they are large and a patient has a complex surgical history.

Are some people more likely to have ovarian cysts?

Simple ovarian cysts are extremely common in premenopausal women of all ages, but rare in postmenopausal women.

The development of ovarian cysts is linked to the menstrual cycle. So, finding a cyst in a 70-year-old person would be very unusual.

What is polycystic ovary syndrome?

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal imbalance that can cause many small cysts to develop on the ovaries, along with other symptoms such as acne, obesity, excess hair growth, irregular periods, and infertility. It is not the same as a simple ovarian cyst.

Does having an ovarian cyst increase your chances of developing ovarian cancer?

No. There is no data linking simple ovarian cysts to ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is rare. Only about 20,000 people will be diagnosed with her every year.

Ovarian cysts, on the other hand, are very common. And most ovarian cysts come and go. But if you start having symptoms, see your doctor.

Request an appointment at MD Anderson on line or by calling 1-877-632-6789.