Is ovarian cyst a serious disease?

The severity of ovarian cysts depends on the nature, size, presence of complications, and whether malignant changes have occurred. For any suspected or monitored cysts, timely consultation should be carried out for necessary examinations and evaluations in order to obtain appropriate treatment recommendations.

1. Not serious

This is the most common type of ovarian cyst, usually associated with the menstrual cycle, and is usually benign, such as a follicular cyst or corpus luteum cyst. Most of these cysts will resolve on their own and do not require special treatment. If the ovarian cyst is small, such as less than 5 cm, and does not cause any uncomfortable symptoms such as abdominal pain, ascites, or menstrual disorders, it is usually considered to be low risk and its size changes can be monitored regularly.

2. Severe

Although most ovarian cysts are benign, a few can develop into ovarian cancer. The likelihood of malignancy increases, especially when the cyst continues to grow after menopause, or when it exceeds 5 cm in size and has an irregular shape. If an ovarian cyst ruptures, it can cause severe abdominal pain, internal bleeding, and even shock, which is an emergency medical condition that requires immediate surgical treatment. Ovarian cyst pedicle torsion is an acute condition that can cause interruption of ovarian blood flow. If not treated promptly, it can lead to ovarian ischemia and necrosis, or even ovarian removal.

In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding high-fat foods and quitting smoking, can also help reduce the risk of ovarian cysts.