Surgery for Ovarian Cysts

Surgery is used to confirm the diagnosis of an ovarian cyst, remove a cyst that is causing symptoms, and rule out ovarian cancer.

Surgery for an ovarian cyst or growth may be advised in the following situations:

• Ovarian growths (masses) are present in both ovaries.
• An ovarian cyst is larger than 3 in. (7.6 cm).
• An ovarian cyst that is being watched does not get smaller or go away in 2 to 3 months.
• An ultrasound exam suggests that a cyst is not a simple functional cyst.
• You have an ovarian growth and you:
  • Have never had a menstrual period (for example, a young girl).
  • Have been through menopause (Reference postmenopausal woman Opens New Window).
  • Use birth control pills (unless you are using low-dose progestin-only pills or have missed a pill, which would make an ovulation-related functional cyst more likely).
• Your doctor is concerned that Reference ovarian cancer Opens New Window may be present. In this case, it is also advised that you see a gynecologic oncologist.

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