Follicular ovarian cysts
Follicular cysts develop from a follicle during ovulation, in one or both ovaries. Follicular cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst and are considered to be a normal part of the ovary going about its business.
Endometrioma (chocolate) cysts
An ovarian endometrioma is where menstrual blood and endometrial cells find their way into the ovary, developing a problematic cyst over time. They are called 'chocolate' cysts because of their chocolate-like appearance.
Cystic teratomas and dermoid cysts – ovarian
A dermoid cyst is a growth in the ovary that contains hair, teeth, bone, and other tissue. A dermoid cyst is not a pregnancy, but a tumour.
Benign ovarian masses
Benign ovarian masses can include non-cancerous tumours or cysts, with most coming and going without symptoms. A benign mass could mean a cyst that develops during or after ovulation, or a tumour that appears out of embryonic tissue.
Ovarian cystadenomas (a cystic ovarian tumour)
A cystadenoma is a (generally) benign tumour on one or both ovaries.
Corpus luteum cyst (a functional ovarian cyst)
A corpus luteum cyst is most often a benign ovarian cyst caused by the process of ovulation that will resolve itself over a period of weeks. These ovarian cysts are benign, which means they are not dangerous.
What are polycystic ovaries?
Polycystic ovaries are ovaries with many cyst-like structures on them, though whether they are true cysts or not will depend on investigations.
Hyperreactio luteinalis – rare case of enlarged, polycystic ovaries during pregnancy
Hyperreactio luteinalis is a rare, benign ovarian condition often mistaken for ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cysts
We go over all the types of ovarian cysts that a woman could develop, and explain why they develop. We also discuss the typical treatment options that you will be offered, and what they involve.