Summary
Definition
Ovarian cyst is a surgical, imaging, or examination finding of an enlarged, fluid-filled ovary or portion of ovarian tissue. When an adnexal mass is identified, the term 'ovarian cyst' is often employed carelessly without regard to the true origin of the pathological finding. Ovarian cysts imply a pathophysiological process involving the ovary itself.
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Laparoscopic view of ovarian cyst in vivo
From the collection of Professor Michael Hopkins
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History and exam
Risk factors
- pre-menopausal age group
- early menarche
- first trimester of pregnancy
- personal history of infertility or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- increased intrinsic or extrinsic gonadotrophins
- tamoxifen therapy
- smoking
- personal or family history of endometriosis
Diagnostic investigations
Investigations to consider
- serum CA-125
- colour power Doppler ultrasonography of abdomen/pelvis
- MRI of abdomen/pelvis
- CT imaging of abdomen/pelvis
- karyotype analysis
- laparoscopy/laparotomy and histopathology
Emerging tests
- PET imaging of abdomen/pelvis
- human epididymis protein 4 (HE4)
- OVA1® (serum biomarkers)
Treatment algorithm
Contributors
Authors VIEW ALL
Professor and Chairman
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Program Director
Northeast Ohio Medical University
Aultman Health Foundation OB/GYN Residency
Canton
OH
Disclosures
MPH declares that he has no competing interests.
Clinical Instructor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Northeast Ohio Medical University
Aultman Health Foundation OB/GYN Residency
Canton
OH
Disclosures
LMB declares that she has no competing interests.
Dr Michael P. Hopkins and Dr Lauren M. Blue would like to gratefully acknowledge Dr Jay R. Patibandla and Dr Laura K. Randolph, previous contributors to this monograph. JRP and LKR declare that they have no competing interests.
Peer reviewers VIEW ALL
Consultant in Family Medicine
Parker D Sanders and Isabella Sanders Professor of Primary Care
Rochester
MN
Disclosures
JB declares that he has no competing interests.
Chair
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond
VA
Disclosures
DC declares that he has no competing interests.
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
Birmingham Women's Hospital
Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Birmingham
UK
Disclosures
TJC declares that he has no competing interests.
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