Bilateral Complex Cysts?

After an ultrasound showed complex ovarian cysts in my left ovary, I was sent for a CT scan which showed bilateral complex cysts.

What does that mean?

What does bilateral mean?
And, what makes a cyst complex or simple?

What is the typical procedure for dealing with cysts like these?
They are causing a lot of pain.

Anyone who has some advice I'd appreciate it.

[gma718]

Bilateral means on both sides ...I had bilateral ovarian cysts on each ovary..they had to be removed surgically. usually I have heard that better to have on both sides as far as malignancy is concerned. I had 2  complex cysts which I think means that they need to be removed as far as simple I think when they are simple they may evaporate and disappear on their own.

[LindaF]

Complex cysts can disappear on their own too - the type I'm thinking of are hemmorhagic cysts.

[lactac1224]

Here is my understanding given by my doctors.
Bilateral means occurring in both ovaries.  

Complex cyst means there is something in the cyst.
Simple cysts are fuid fillled and go away with your cycle.  Complex cysts need to be watched.  Most often docors will watch a complex cyst for their next cycle.  If the cyst gets smaller it is probably a cyst wth some blood in it that will go away on their own.  If the cyst gets larger or stays the same it will need to be removed.
Some doctors keep watch on these cysts for 3-6 months.  My doctor said take it out.  It needs to come out anyway so why wait.  

There is no way to tell if a cyst is malignant until it is taken out.  The odds of a cyst being malignant are less than 1%.

Talk to your doctor about ALL of your options and what you want to do.  If you are told the cyst needs to be removed I suggest having a Gynecologist/oncologist do the surgery or at the very least consult with one to find out their opinion.

Best of luck!

Laura :)