Ovarian cysts

Question 1

Benign ovarian cysts

Answer 1

Divided into: 
Physiological cysts
Benign germ cell tumours
Benign epithelial tumours
Benign sex cord stromal tumours

Question 2

Physiological cysts

Answer 2

Follicular cysts: commonest. Due to non-rupture of the dominant follicle or failure of atresia in a non-dominant follicle. Commonly regress after several menstrual cycles.

Corpus luteum cyst: failure of breakdown of corpus luteum. More likely to present with intraperitoneal bleeding than follicular cysts.

Question 3

Benign germ cell cysts

Answer 3

Dermoid cyst (mature cystic teratomas): usually lined with epithelial tissue and hence may contain hair, teeth etc. Most common benign ovarian tumour in women < 30. Usually asymptomatic. Torsion more common.

Question 4

Benign epithelial tumours

Answer 4

Arise from ovarian surface epithelium

Serous cystadenoma: most common benign epithelial tumour which bears resemblance to the most common type of ovarian cancer (serous carcinoma). Bilateral in around 20%.

Mucinous cystadenoma: second most common benign epithelial tumour. Typically large. If ruptures may cause pseudomyxoma peritonei.