complex ovarian cyst

I had an ultrasound on my kidneys due to pain and protein in my urine. When doing the ultrasound they found a 5.1cm enlarged left adnexal cyst, demonstrating internal echotexture. Impression: 5.1cm mildly complex ovarian cyst. I have had simple cyst in the past. I have been experiencing pain and fullness that comes and goes. Are these findings something to be concerned about or something they typically recommend follow up u/s on like in the past?

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
Depending upon your age, your doctor might order a ca125 level. If you were my patient, and younger than 40, I probably would NOT order one.  I would quite likely recommend a follow up exam in 4-6 weeks, and wait to make any further decisions until we could determine whether the cyst was going to resolve spontaneously or persist, or enlarge.
Because it is small there is a very good chance that it will go away without surgery.
If it does not, or if the pain worsens, you might need surgery.

Good luck!
Dr B