The ovaries are an important part of the female reproductive system. Sitting either side of the uterus (womb), they release an egg once every 28 days as part of the menstrual cycle. Once an egg is released, the follicle in which it formed bursts and shrinks ready for the next cycle to begin. If the follicles do not correctly shrink after the egg is released, a fluid filled sac, called a cyst, can develop in the ovary. 1 in 10 ovarian cysts also involve growth into the fallopian tubes and other nearby organs. Ovarian cysts can also form on the outside of the ovary, from a group of abnormal cells that would otherwise create the eggs, which is less common.
Ovarian cysts are often non-cancerous (benign), cause no symptoms, and disappear without the need for treatment. However, this is not always the case. They can be painful and grow up to the size of a large melon before they rupture (burst) or begin to shrink. They can block the blood supply to the ovaries, or cause internal...