complex vs simple vs solid cysts

Can someone explain the differences between simple, complex and solid cysts or tumors.  Also, what it means to have depris or not.  Thank you

[shibby]

debris that is.

[Gatsby]

Welcome.  A simple cyst is a fluid filled cyst.  Complex can be fluid and solid.  An example of this is a dermoid which has fluid and solids (hair, teeth, bone, etc.)  Also, it is good to remember that 99% of ovarian cysts are benign.  Hope this helps.  If you have any other questions, please ask!!
~Tascha

[MickeyVicki]

Debris is often indicative of a hemorrhagic cyst.   Hemorrhagic cysts are most often normal (functional follicular) cysts that fail to resolve completely and linger on the ovary, bleeding internally into the cyst (which contributes to the debris) or bleeding externally into the abdomen, causing pain and  sometimes mild bloating.  Fortunately, hemorrhagic cyst do tend to resolve on their own, but it might take some time for this to happen.

[healthcareguerilla]

Any ballpark timeline on the resolution of a hemorrhagic cyst?  Ovaries are not my 'specialty', but I'm afraid they will be soon.  So - haven't done enough research to know about hemorrhagic cysts and whether or not the occur in post-menopausal women -- for instance.

[MickeyVicki]

The only experience that I can quote is that of  a family member who had one, and was told to come back in three months for a follow-up ultrasound.  That cyst had resolved, but she then developed another cyst that did not resolve, or perhaps there were several cysts...anyway, she eventually had surgery to remove an ovary, cyst (or cysts), and fallopian tube, as well as to remove as much of the endometriosis as could be removed.   Then, finally cured of her problems, she and her husband were able to conceive a child.

[Raynbow]

About the debris thing....At first u/s, the gyn told me that I had debris in my cyst along with a septation and fluid on left adnexal region.....He said probably a hemorrhagic cyst...Well, at 6wk f/u, it showed that the cyst grew, it had a thicker septum (2 1/2- 3mm), 2 more smaller cysts, and fluid around right ovary....So now he thinks it's endometrioma or teratoma....Just wanted to offer this info because it seems that these things can morph into something else or even appear to be something that they are not. (unless my gyn is just guessing on the diagnosis all the time...who knows)
Take care,
(((Raynbow

[Christianchick]

Hi all,
This is my first time here...and saw all the messages regarding ovarian cysts & had to jump in with what I know. Basically a hemorrhagic cyst is cyclical (I believe they are sometimes call chocolate cysts) and should go away with next cycle, a simple cyst is in fact fluid filled and considered harmless and benign, a complex cyst on the other hand is solid and suspect and should always be investigated further.  No I am not a medical person, I am a 49 year old woman who three years ago was was diagnosed with Stage III ovarian cancer.  My journey has taught me much on the subject. I like to say "my heart may have saved my life" - My story takes a few twists & turns & I will try and get right to the point, but I have been telling my story to many women as part of the NOCC in hopes to bring awareness to this "Disease that Whispers".  So...I was going to have a procedure on my heart and as part of the preop test I had a urinalysis done which showed blood in my urine.  I wasn't worried as I have had UTI's in the past so when my primary got a copy of test and insisted I go to a urologist I said "I'd get to it", this was June.  In September she reminded me again and I complied.  The urologist ordered a CT scan to investigate my kidneys..etc. and instead found an "adnexal mass" on my left ovary.  My primary told me to follow up with my gynecologist. A transvaginal ultrasound in December, show a 7 cm. "simple" cyst.  He want to do another ultrasound next cycle to see if it would disappear (as hemmorhagics do) and it was still there and this time the impression noted they could not rule out an ovarian neoplasm.  Well, my gyne reassured me that everything looked harmless, the ultrasounds showed a cysts, my CA-125 was a 10 which is better than normal. So I went in for an exploratory laparoscopy and came out over 5 hours later with Stage III ovarian cancer.  My malignancy was actually growing out of the simple cyst.  My gyne and oncologist call me "Lucky" because if not for that little urinalysis I most likely wouldn't have reported symptoms till it was very advanced.  My tumor was small and except for one very tiny fragment (why I am a Stage III) it was contained to the ovary.  I had a total hysterectomy, went through the chemo, the bald is beautiful moments and came out the other side feeling quite blessed.  Now I speak at different events and am active in getting out the word to all women that OVARIAN CANCER is the most lethal of all gynecological cancers.  Because of vague symptoms (bloating, slight weight gain, diarrhea) which mimic other diseases such as irritable bowel...many women do not seek gynecological help quickly enough and 80% of all cases are diagnosed in the late stages.  So I do this not to scare anyone but to pass along this message PLEASE READ UP ON OVARIAN CANCER (NOCC is a great start) ALWAYS LISTEN TO YOUR BODY & BE IN CHARGE OF YOUR BODY & DON'T LET DOCTORS BLOW YOU OFF...GET THAT TRANSVAGINAL ULTRASOUND...AND IF YOU SUSPECT ANYTHING, GO SEE A GYNECOLOGICAL ONCOLOGIST...I met many women since then, through support groups and what not and it is maddening how many stories like mine and worse are out there.  So, sorry to go on and on, but this has become my passion...if I help save one person...mine was worth it.  Where the "Teal" ladies.  If I can help in any way, please write..Good Luck and God Bless.

[MickeyVicki]

Those so-called chocolate cysts are usually endometriomas, which contain old endometrial tissue which turns dark brown as it ages.  Yuck.  Endometriomas tend to become complex and can grow very quickly.

[shibby]

Thanks everyone. My cyst is simple with some complexity. And, I do get good vibes from dr.s, techs, etc that it looks ok. It's just quite large and don't think it will go on it's own.  So, as soon as my hemoglobin rises, I can have the surgery.  Hemoglobin has been low on and off for a while, so I think there is internal bleeding going on.  I'll keep you informed and thanks again, Shibby

[Cgriffin]

Hi, first time writing in.  I had a vaginal hysterectomy about six years.  I have my ovaries.  I had an ultrasound in January and the report states "left ovary is largely replaced by a 4.8 x 4.1 cm complex predominantly cystic structure, with no significant free fluid.  My doctor sent me for a follow up ultrasound last week and that report states "complex cystic mass involving the right ovary measuring 4.7 3 3.5 cm". The left ovary is unremarkable.  In that report, the radiologist states that "The predominantly cystic lesion seen on the prior ultrasound from January was very similar appearance and size to the current exam except for increasing debris internally.  However, the current finding is in the right ovary and not the left. It is possible that the prior cyst has resolved and this this is a new cyst.  However, I cannot exclude the possibility of some shift in position of the ovaries and that this could conceivably represent the same abnormality".  
My doctor does not know whether this is the same cyst or not so she did the CA-125 which came back at 8 and is repeating the ultrasound in two weeks at a different facility.  She also suggested to have the laporoscopy but thought the few weeks to be sure wouldn't matter too much.  Any comments?

[SNORCHY]

After having an ultrasound, my Dr told me I have a 2cm complex cyst on my right ovary. He said that these resolve themselves 98% of the time on their own. I am having another ultrasound in 1 month. Has anyone had any experience with these?

[augusta3]

I have just had an ultrsound been told that I have two cysts (one complex) on my right ovary. The test also found a fibroid. My doctor is not concerned about the Fibroid (not sure why not) but is concerned about the complex cyst. I'm having a CAT-scan next week. I also have severe bloating which I have discoverd is a symptom of the cyst. What I'm curious about is how likely this cyst is to be benign with all this bloating? Also whether I should be pushing for a laparoscopy along with the CAT-scan or if the CAT-scan is enough to determine whether or not it is cancerous. Thanks. I'm just scared, 37 and still want to have kids! Thanks for all this information.

[tsj98]

I have recently gone through what they believe to be premature ovarian failure(early menopause at 39) and was put on hormone replacement.  I have been having right sided abdomen pain in front and back.  I had some bouts of low white blood cell counts and platelets.  I recently had a CT scan of my pelvis and abdomen and the report came back saying I had a cyst on my ovary which they said could be follicle unless I am postmenopausal then they say it would be abnormal for something to show up because my ovary is non functioning now in menopause.  I also showed what they said "might be" a fibroid in my uterus again abnormal if post menopausal and some fluid in my uterus.  All abnormal if menopausal.  My CA-125 came back within normal limits.  Should I be concerned about ovarian cancer?

[ghostlady]

hello . i read much about ovarian cysts since i have  a recurrent hemorrhagic one on my right ovary. i found that it could be endometrial cyst and i got really stunned as i know that this could affect my uterus, and my fertility . i have a mlid cramping pain in my right pelvic area. my question is how can you know wheather a hemorrhagic cyst is a corpus lutum or endometrial? . thank you  

[Casey06]

Ultrasound plus observation can usually distinguish.

A simplistic explanation for a hemorrhagic cyst is a cyst that has bleed into itself, caused a big ole blood clot, that then bleeds itself out.

Here is a link with some US images (careful, some are grahic):
http://www.lexic.us/definition-of/Hemorrhagic_cyst

An endometrioma is endometrosis inside the ovary or ovaries:
Here is a link with some US images (careful, some are grahic):
http://www.lexic.us/definition-of/endometrioma

Hemorrhagic cysts look less uniform than endometriomas. Endometriomas look like "ground glass" or better yet "snow" on a tv screen.

Hemorrhagic cysts eventually shrink or go away, endometriommas do not., they have to be surgically removed (if bothersome).

Endometriosis can affect fertility, but not always (it didn't affect mine).
You can loose one ovary and part of the other and still retain fertility.

Good luck.

[vidflorida]

Thanks for the great websites with U/S images - I have been searching for sites that has U/S images for weeks.

[Casey06]

I'm glad the info was useful, but I hope it didn't scare you though. I have another link with US images, that is really great, but could not find it. When I do, I will share it with you.
This forum is all about sharing info and experiences and combining our collective experiences and wisdom.

I hope you get a good answer soon from your doctor, you have been waiting a long time and have been very patient (much more patient than I). Does your doctor think it is endometriosis/endometrioma? That would explain the infertility.

Good luck and keep in touch.

[DrHope]

I was diagnosed last year with solid and liquid cysts in and on my ovaries, some were over 4".  My Ca 125 test kept coming back higher every time they took it, I had all the symptoms of cancer and my Gyne at Dana Farber advised me to go in for surgery asap.  I went to a healing mass and was healed of the cancer but not the cysts or blocked fallopian tubes.

In doing research since my husband is a research neurosurgeon, I found out that I'm insulin resistant, which is one of the main problems causing the cysts.  I also found out that caster oil has the ability to dissolve tumors, cysts, and scar tissue.  I did an experiment with my toes since I had surgery on them and since then they were huge from scar tissue.  I put a heavy coat of caster oil on every night and wrapped them in plastic bags.  Within one week they began shrinking back to normal so I know the caster oil works.  I am now applying it over my ovaries and wrapping celephane and I know something is happening because 'junk' is starting to come out for the first time.  

There are 2 companies I've found that can address the problem of why we're getting cysts, (our hormones are out of whack):  

Biogeitca.com  &   PCOS.insulitelabs.com

I'd recommend getting tests done (Maybe by endocrinologist) to see if you have hormonal imbalances, although tests vary from day to day since our hormones vary.  Make sure you get a glucose test & insulin resistant test both done.  The insulin resistant test will have you fast for 24 hours, test your insulin levels, then test you again after you eat.  Make sure you eat junk to really see what happens when you eat junk.  There's answers out there, and surgery can be avoided.  Surgery only addresses the symptoms, not the problem.  Heal the problem, and the symptoms will go away.  

Also, change how you think.  Let go of fear, anger, resentment, that's what's fueling the problem.  Forgive, love, and be grateful of your life more and you'll do more than fix one problem!  

[SimplyStar]

Try BBQ sauce on "your ovaries"  that might work also along with the castor oil.  Got them all wrapped up in cellophane with a bow for Christmas , no less.

[Kimchi]

Have a friend who is the country's top vetenarian who heals her animals as well as humans with an oil concoction mixed with 10 different herbs.  She says it draws out the toxins in the body.  She uses it for everything, open wounds, internal wounds, teeth/gum problems, bone problems...  She gave me a bottle to put on my residing gums (caused by chemo).  I rub it on my lung and liver area (have minute nods there).  They have not changed in size or numbers but this could be due to chemo but after 12 continuous cycles think they are not cancerous.  Had PET and CT scan done last month and new ONC told me to stop chemo cause saw no signs of cancer.
You would fit right in here in Thailand as the Thais have same theory: forgive, don't be angry and meditate (keeps the mind at peace).   This allows the body to heal itself without other negative stuff in the way.
What ever works for you, although I think the barbecue sauce won't do unless you make it from scratch without adding any artificial stuff.

[lillmisstn]

I hope I do not offend anyone, but I am not sure whether to laugh or cry :) I guess it all depends on what you have tried & what a person is willing to try? Word on the street is that preparation H also "shrinks" stuff, but I dunno ... Some women use it on their face instead of where its designed to go to get rid of puffy eyes ... Oh, and Visine will take the red out of a zit for you too - it supposed to constrict the blood vessels the same as in your eyes **not that I have tried it** :) Just wanted to take this in a direction that anyone might find useful :) high fives to anyone that uses any of these home remedies ... I am not a physcian so please - no frivilous lawsuits if your eyes start to resemble your butt or if your zit actually starts to look like an eye .... Hope you are giggling right about now ... I know I am ....

blessings

Mitzi

[xanaphia]

I need to know the definition of complex ovarian cyst cause I have one and every site I go to refers me to ovarian cancer...is that what complex implies or is the internet trying to scare everyone into thinking they have cancer when they don't?

[SimplyStar]

98% of all cysts, are benign. A complex cyst needs watching , yes, but it does not signify cancer. OVCA is rare.  these are types of complex cysts.

Endometriomas. These cysts develop in women who have endometriosis, when tissue from the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. The tissue may attach to the ovary and form a growth. These cysts can be painful during sexual intercourse and during menstruation.
Cystadenomas. These cysts develop from cells on the outer surface of the ovary. They are often filled with a watery fluid or thick, sticky gel. They can become large and cause pain.
Dermoid cysts. The cells in the ovary are able to make hair, teeth, and other growing tissues that become part of a forming ovarian cyst. These cysts can become large and cause pain.
Polycystic ovaries. The eggs mature within the follicles, or sacs, but the sac doesn't break open to release the egg. The cycle repeats, follicles continue to grow inside the ovary, and cysts form. For more information about polycystic ovaries, refer to our FAQ on Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

[pss1230]

Is a tubal ovarian abscess the same as ovarian cyst? I had transvaginal pelvis US performed and could not get my surgeon's office to call me back on the results. I called twice that day and as told they would return my call, finally the next afternoon I went to the office and the nurse looked up from her computer and said oh yeah I have a note here I am to call you.  I asked for my medical records and made an appointment with another Dr.  I still have right sided pain, am still in the middle to menopause for last couple of years now.  Should I be concerned even if this particular Dr. office doesn't appear to be?

[walene]

hi  I am 35 years old and have never had children, (one miscarraige (miscarriage) @ 20 yrs old) otherwise I have never used any form of birth control, I have alot of pain in both of my ovaries and at least two peroids monthly three sometimes. I recently went to the doc. transvag. and pelvic untrasound say that both my ovaries are enlarged and also with mutipitle cyst but also I have a complex cyst with a layering fluid debris level the complex cyst is 3.7 cm and my ca125 test came back neg. should I be worried and also I have free fluid in the pelvic culdesac anyone know anything about this I am scared of ovarian cancer