Ovarian cysts are often discovered by chance during a routine pelvic examination or ultrasound. Since most ovarian cysts come and go without any symptoms, it will usually come as a suprise to the women when the doctor tells them they have an ovarian cyst.

However, if you have been feeling some of the ovarian cyst symptoms that we discussed in the previous section, or have a previous history of ovarian cysts you may want to see your doctor for an official diagnosis.

Since there are a few different types of ovarian cysts, your doctor will be looking to evaluate the cyst based on its size, shape and composition as these can tell a lot about the cyst and its potential dangers. For example, those that are solid or part-solid may require a closer look as they could be cancerous.

In order to form an accurate diagnosis your doctor or gynaecologist may perform one or more of the following procedures:

• Pelvic ultrasounds - The most common procedure, these are usually carried out first to get initial look at the properties if the cyst. The doctor will use the transducer to gain images of your ovaries which can be analysed for the presence of an ovarian cyst and if so, the nature of it i.e. soild or liquid.
• Laporoscopy - This involves making a small cut in the abdomen and inserting an instrument which the doctor is able to use to get a good view of the ovarian cyst. If necessary, the laporoscopic procedure can be used to remove the ovarian cyst during surgery.
• CA 125 test - This is a blood test for a protein called cancer antigen 125. The levels of this protein will increase with instances of ovarian cancer so if the cyst is solid or partially solid, your doctor may perform the CA 125 test on yot. However, he will be aware that any raised levels of CA 125 may be due to other conditions as well.

Once you have an ovarian cyst diagnosis from your doctor, he will be able to inform you if any treatment is recommended. Often, the treatment advice will be simply to bide time and see if it disappears on its own, while in more extreme cases surgery would be required to remove the ovarian cyst.  

Next: Ovarian Cyst Treatment

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