Or it may be a cyst and solid tumor combined. An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac. Ovarian cysts are common and not usually cancerous. Small ovarian cysts usually disappear without treatment. Cysts larger than 5 cm may need to be removed surgically.
Ovarian cancer is an ovarian mass made up of cancerous cells.
The cancer may have started in the ovary or it may have spread to the ovary from some other part of the body. If it is not discovered and treated promptly, it can be fatal. An ovarian mass may cause no specific symptoms and may not be detected until you have a regular checkup with your health care provider. If the mass becomes twisted, it can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. In this case emergency surgical removal may be necessary.