An ovarian cyst in a post-menopausal woman is also frequently malignant. In both of these age groups, diagnostic surgery to make an absolute identification is needed. This can be done by either diagnostic laparoscopy which is inserting a tube with a camera attached to it through the belly button, or diagnostic laparotomy which is making an incision through the abdomen, and looking at the ovary. The most challenging area of patient care for a doctor are the cysts that occur between these two extremes in the reproductive life of women. A sonogram can help in the diagnosis.
Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cyst.
A follicular cyst occurs when the normal follicle, or sac that matured to release an egg, does not shrink after release of the egg. These are soft, have thin membrane walls, and contain clear fluid. These can rupture, causing sudden, severe pain which gradually goes away over several days. Usually, however, they spontaneously disappear over the course of one or more menstrual cycles. They can cause changes in your periods and pelvic pain.