MAGICAL OVARIAN CYST

CT scan done 31 Aug 2011 shows a 6.5 x 4.8 x 4.7cm cystic mass measuring 18 Hounsfield units in the left adnexa.  Had abdominal ultrasound and vaginal ultrasound 7 Sept 2011 only showed a 1.3 x 1.1 cm on the right ovary. MRI on 24 Sept 2011 shows multiple cysts, largest is 2.0 cm. Right ovary measures 3.0 cm. A frequent 6cm ovarian cyst is present with multpile subcentimeter ovarian cysts. both ovaries appear normal with no adnexal mass.

Why wasnt the 6.0 cm cyst seen on the ultrasound? Does it go away and come back?? Im beginning to doubt what they say is there, and who can I believe when its there for one test, and not for another.....What condition coorelates with multiple cysts on an ovary and what is the next step? Is this related to something cancerous??

[Garry Choy, MD, MS]

Your concerns are valid.  Ovarian cysts can definitely come and go.  Some ovarian cysts are hormonally dependent and can vary in size depending on the menstrual cycle and therefore when one does an ultrasound.  Also small "cysts" are considered normal so they are frequently never mentioned by many doctors.  Unless the cyst grows or shows complexity, usually the cysts are not cancerous but it is important to perform follow-up ultrasound scans to ensure these cysts go away or stay stable.  Please consult your doctor regarding whether or not to do a follow-up ultrasound.  Hope this helps!