An ovarian cyst discovered during an ultrasound can understandably cause concern, particularly when women begin wondering whether it could be cancerous or require surgery. During my review of ovarian cyst management in Mumbai, I found that most ovarian cysts are benign and do not automatically require an operation. The appropriate approach depends on the cyst's size, appearance, symptoms, persistence and the patient's age and reproductive plans. For women considering Ovarian cyst surgery in Mumbai, Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar offers evaluation and minimally invasive surgical options at Kirit Nursing Home and her other affiliated hospitals.
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on or inside an ovary. Some cysts occur as part of normal hormonal changes and disappear naturally, while others can persist or become large enough to cause symptoms. Types described by Dr. Maitreyee Parulekar's practice include endometriomas, dermoid cysts, haemorrhagic cysts, cystadenomas and cysts associated with polycystic ovaries.
Finding a cyst does not necessarily mean surgery is required. Small, simple cysts, particularly those under approximately 5 cm, may resolve spontaneously and can sometimes be monitored with follow-up imaging. Surgery may be considered when a cyst continues to grow, persists through several menstrual cycles, causes significant symptoms or has suspicious characteristics on imaging.
Some ovarian cysts produce no symptoms and are discovered incidentally during an ultrasound. When symptoms occur, they can include:
Sudden, severe pelvic pain can indicate complications such as cyst rupture or ovarian torsion and requires urgent medical assessment.
The type of cyst can influence whether observation or treatment is recommended.
Endometriomas: These are associated with endometriosis and contain old blood. They can be associated with pelvic pain and may affect fertility.
Dermoid cysts: Also called mature cystic teratomas, these usually benign cysts can contain tissues such as hair, skin or teeth.
Haemorrhagic cysts: These develop when bleeding occurs within a cyst. Many resolve without surgery, although significant pain or complications require evaluation.