- Home
- Parents Home
- Allergy Center
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- A to Z Dictionary
- Emotions & Behavior
- First Aid & Safety
- Food Allergy Center
- General Health
- Growth & Development
- Flu Center
- Heart Health
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Diseases & Conditions
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Play & Learn Center
- School & Family Life
- Pregnancy Center
- Newborn Center
- Q&A
- Recipes
- Sports Medicine Center
- Doctors & Hospitals
- Videos
- Para Padres
- Home
- Kids Home
- Asthma Center
- Cancer Center
- Movies & More
- Diabetes Center
- Getting Help
- Feelings
- Puberty & Growing Up
- Health Problems of Grown-Ups
- Health Problems
- Homework Center
- How the Body Works
- Illnesses & Injuries
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes & Cooking
- Staying Healthy
- Stay Safe Center
- Relax & Unwind Center
- Q&A
- Heart Center
- Videos
- Staying Safe
- Kids' Medical Dictionary
- Para Niños
- Home
- Teens Home
- Asthma Center
- Be Your Best Self Center
- Cancer Center
- Diabetes Center
- Diseases & Conditions
- Drugs & Alcohol
- Expert Answers (Q&A)
- Flu Center
- Homework Help Center
- Infections
- Managing Your Medical Care
- Managing Your Weight
- Nutrition & Fitness Center
- Recipes
- Safety & First Aid
- School & Work
- Sexual Health
- Sports Center
- Stress & Coping Center
- Videos
- Your Body
- Your Mind
- Para Adolescentes
A to Z: Cyst, Ovarian
May also be called: Ovarian Cyst; Functional Cyst; Follicular Cyst; Corpus Luteum Cyst; Pathologic Cyst
An ovarian cyst is a noncancerous sac filled with fluid or semisolid material that develops on or inside a woman's ovary.
More to Know
The ovaries are oval-shaped organs that are part of the female reproductive system. They produce, store, and release eggs during a process called ovulation, which is part of a female's monthly menstrual cycle. Most ovarian cysts develop during the normal menstrual cycle. These are called functional cysts, and there are two kinds: follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts.
During ovulation, a small sac called a follicle grows on each ovary. Follicles are where the eggs develop. If a follicle fails to break open and release its egg, fluid stays in the follicle and it becomes a follicular cyst. After the egg has been released, the follicle is called a corpus luteum. If the opening through which the egg has passed seals off, fluid can build up and form a corpus luteum cyst. Rarely, another type of ovarian cyst, called a pathologic cyst, can form as a result of ovarian cancer or other conditions.
Usually, ovarian cysts cause no symptoms, but if they grow large, rupture, or bleed, they can cause pain, abdominal swelling, or bloating. Rarely, they can cause twisting of an ovary (ovarian torsion), which is associated with severe pain and is a medical emergency.
If cysts are painful, a doctor may prescribe birth control pills to alter their growth, or they may be removed by a surgeon.
Keep in Mind
Ovarian cysts are quite common in women of childbearing age, and they usually don't cause any problems. In most cases, ovarian cysts will disappear on their own and treatment isn't necessary. Most cysts will heal within 6–8 weeks.
All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.