Complex Cyst

[Catarina1]

I had a transvaginal ultrasound done in early September, which stated the following results: a 1.3-cm hypoechoic cyst on the left ovary. No free fluid is seen in the cul-de-sac.

Impression:
Small complex cyst on the left ovary. Suggest reevaluation after 2-3 menstrual cycles.

My doctor said the cyst had no solid component, but that it was termed complex because it looked like it had another cyst inside it.

My questions are:
1. Is hypoechoic indicative of cancer?
2. Can a complex cyst still be a functional cyst?
3. Is the small size of the cyst indicative of it being a functional cyst as opposed to something more ominous?

I imagine that if the radiologist thought there was anything suspicious in the findings, it would have been stated in the report. Does this sound to you like I have anything to worry about? I will be going for my retest soon. Thanks for your time.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hello,
yes in brief to answer your questions:
1. no
2.yes
3.yes
The way I think about it, it is the job description of the ovary to make cysts. A cyst is the transport and production mechanism for the things that ovaries do. To ovulate, a swelling of clear fluid (cyst)needs to form around the egg which then ruptures to release the egg near the end of the fallopian tube. To make  progesterone, a cyst is formed (corpus luteum) which then synthesizes this hormone whose function it is to stabilize and prepare the lining of the uterus to accept a pregnancy. The corpus luteum cyst dissolves if a pregnancy does not happen.

Think about it this way, if cysts are NOT seen on ovaries during the reporductive years, that is abnormal.
best wishes.

[Catarina1]

Thanks so much for your response. I think the primary thing that was making me nervous was that it was termed a complex cyst. I thought that complex immediately made it abnormal, but now I know that complex cysts can also be functional. You've put my mind more at ease. Thanks again for your help; I think it's wonderful that you take the time to do this. Have a wonderful day!

[nytasha]

My question is will a a corpus luteum cyst prevent pregnancy? I want to become pregnant and have discovered that I have a cyst on my left ovary and I'm concerned that this is why I haven't became pregnant. It was discovered during a ultrasound and it went away on it's own but I found out I have another one same place as before.