An ovarian cyst is a collection of fluid, surrounded by a very thin wall, within an ovary. Any ovarian follicle larger than about two centimeters is termed an ovarian cyst. An ovarian cyst can measure a few inches but it can also arrive from there to measure up to a dozen.
In the U.S., ovarian cysts are found in nearly all premenopausal women, and up to 14.8% of postmenopausal women.
Ovarian cysts affect women of all ages. They occur most often, however, during the fertile years of a woman.
Most ovarian cysts are functional and harmless (benign).
Some ovarian cysts can cause problems, such as bleeding and pain.
Surgery may be needed to remove the cysts larger than 5 centimeters in diameter
