Functional ovarian cysts are not uncommon for many women and in most cases do not warrant much cause for concern. Indeed, most ovarian cysts do not lead to or indicate cancer. Though some cysts may cause discomfort and others may require some treatment, the majority of functional ovarian cysts are asymptomatic and do not require treatment.

A follicular cyst is a simple type of ovarian cyst that occurs when ovulation does not take place or when a mature follicle collapses on itself. These kind of cysts can grow to about 2.3 inches in diameter. However, they rarely have any symptoms and should disappear without treatment after a few months.

When the ovarian gland makes progesterone as a part of ovulation and the release of an egg during the menstrual cycle, a corpus luteum cyst can result. The corpus luteum is a round gland which in its healthy state is about an inch in diameter and fluid-filled. Most corpus luteum cysts are asymptomatic and disappear without treatment. They are most likely to develop at the end of the menstrual cycle or during the early months of a pregnancy . Because they do not cause noticeable symptoms, they may form and heal without being noticed.

A cyst that contains blood is called a hemorrhagic cyst. They release blood from time to time. They can burst in very rare occasions which will produce leakage of blood and can cause a burning sensation in the pelvic area. These cysts do not normally require treatment and they are common. They can be surgically removed if there is a risk that endometriosis may be present.

Women are most at risk of developing a dermoid cyst during their prime childbearing years. However, women of any age can develop dermoid cysts. A dermoid cyst is a type of ovarian cyst that grows from a germ cell in the ovaries known as the totipotential germ cell. From this cell grows such tissues as hair, teeth, and bone. Consequently, dermoid cysts can contain various types of solid physical tissue. It is common for a doctor to find hair and teeth formation, for instance, in dermoid cysts. Doctors surgically remove dermoid cysts because they can cut off the blood supply of the ovaries.

An ovarian cyst that is pathological includes both tumors and endometriosis. These are not common and can only be found after examination by a doctor. A tumor can be defined as a pathological ovarian cyst and be either cancerous or not, benign or malignant. Tumors need to be dealt with as soon as they are discovered. A tumor is generally 6 cm or over, thick walled and persistent. On the other hand women in their prime reproductive years will often develop endometrioid cysts. These endometrioid cysts are present when a woman has endometriosis and are formed when a portion of endometrial tissue bleeds, falls off and then becomes transplanted in the ovaries.

The different types of ovarian cysts must be diagnosed and treated appropriately. Pathological cysts can be potentially more serious than simple or functional cysts. However, all women should seek assistance from their doctor, especially if they are noticing any symptoms common to having ovarian cysts.