Ovarian cyst.

I have had my left ovary removed due to a cyst that had ruptured.  I now have had a cyst on my right ovary, that has been there for 5 years.  I get ultrasounds every year to check on the cyst and it is still there.  I am premenopausal, and have had heavy bleeding, and increased abdominal girth, low back  pain, which is starting to worry me.  My gyn said that the cyst is nothing to worry about.  Should I get a second opinion since it has been there for 5 years?  Can the cyst develop into ovarian cancer?  

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There
if you are having pain and have a persistent ovarian cyst, surgical removal is definately an option. Cysts that are unchanging are rarely malignant, however they can twist and cause pain.

if you have any family history of ovarian  cancer, that is a reason to consider the prophylactic removal of your ovaries and fallopian tubes after completion of your family
take care

[bubblez125]

im 16 years old and have a ovarian cyst 15cm by 9cm :( what are the chances f my losin my left ovary ( its not cancerous)

[bubblez125]

Dar964:

I have had my cyst for 2 - 3 years and its the size of a grapefruit. There is a slim chance of a ovarian cyst becoming cancerous. (1 in 1,000) woman will get a cancerous cyst. I'm hoping I don't get my ovary removed :( It sounds like its a non-functional cyst. Where they continue to grow over time and don't go away on there own. There is nothing to worry about :)

[bubblez125]

Have you tried taking birth control for your cyst??