Simple ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets inside an ovary or on its surface. Many women have this type of ovarian cyst at some time in their lifetime. Simple ovarian cysts usually do not cause symptoms, but sometimes can cause pain, unexplained abdominal symptoms, and/or changes in your menses and menstrual cycle.
Endometriosis (also known as an endometrial implant) is when cells similar to those lining the uterus grow outside the uterus. It is unclear what causes this condition to happen. While endometriosis is a common and non-cancerous process, the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus and its resultant inflammation can cause women to have pelvic pain that is related to their menstrual cycle, pain during intercourse, pain with urination or difficulty getting pregnant.
Endometrial polyps are benign (non-cancerous) nodular protrusions of the endometrial surface (lining of the uterus). They can often be suggested on ultrasound or MRI studies, but may require sonohysterography or direct visualization for confirmation. Most polyps do not cause symptoms, although they can be a common cause of post-menopausal bleeding (accounting for approximately 30% of cases). In pre-menopausal women, they may cause intermenstrual bleeding and infertility. If symptomatic, polyps may be treated with a polypectomy (procedure to remove a polyp).
Uterine fibroids (also called uterine leiomyomas or myomas) are abnormal growths in the muscle of the uterus. The cause of uterine fibroids is unclear, but hormones (estrogen and progesterone), family history, and pregnancy can play a role. Fibroids are generally harmless, but can cause abdominal pain, heavy or irregular menses or infertility. They usually become smaller and less symptomatic with menopause.
The Bartholin's glands are located on each side of the vaginal opening. These glands secrete fluid that helps lubricate the vagina. Sometimes the openings of these glands become obstructed, causing fluid to back up into the gland. The result is a relatively painless swelling called a Bartholin's cyst. If the fluid within the cyst becomes infected, a collection of pus may form surrounded by inflamed tissue (abscess).
Ovarian lesions are common findings and may be incidentally detected on imaging (found in passing when looking for something else). Ovarian lesions may be benign (non-cancerous), borderline, or malignant (cancerous). Characterization of ovarian lesions is of great importance in order to plan adequate therapeutic procedures, and may influence management. Assessment of ovarian lesions or masses requires physical examination, laboratory tests and imaging techniques.
