"A" is for Airway "B" is for Breast Cancer "C" is for cysts "D" is for Vitamin D "E" is for Eczema "F" is for Fungus "G" is for Gynecology Learn more about Dr. Jennifer Ashton here. Do you have a question for Dr. Jennifer Ashton? Submit your questions for the doctor to answer and we will post her responses online to share.

Health Tip, June 29, 2009 "C" is for cysts! Specifically, ovarian cysts. (Communication Manager Jamie Watkins recently interviewed Dr. Jennifer Ashton about several very important health issues pertaining to girls and women.) Question: How common are cysts? Answer: Many, many women and teenage girls are told they have an ovarian "cyst." Often, this is detected on an ultrasound or sonogram that is done to evaluate pelvic pain. Question: Should women or girls be concerned if they have a cyst? Answer: Frequently, once told they have a cyst, women or teens become anxious and nervous. In reality, there is usually no reason for concern as many cysts go away on their own with time. Question: What causes cysts? Answer: Here's a basic breakdown on what you need to know about the most common type of ovarian cysts. For one thing, the ovaries of a menstruating woman or teen make cysts for a living. In reality, the process of ovulation (or of releasing a mature egg from the ovary) is actually equivalent to that of a small "cyst" rupturing each month! Question: What questions should women or teens ask when they learn they have a cyst? Answer: If told you have an ovarian cyst, there are a few important things you and your doctor will want to know. One key aspect is the size or the dimensions of this cyst. Many gynecologists consider anything less than 2.5 cm (or one inch) to be more consistent with an ovarian follicle than with a cyst, per se. Moderate-sized cysts are usually less than 5-6 cm, and large ovarian cysts are greater than 6 cm. This is roughly the size of a large lemon, or larger. The other important factor that can be determined by ultrasound is whether the cyst appears to be "simple" or "complex." Question: How would you know if you have a simple or complex cyst? Answer: Simple cysts are often just ovarian follicles that have gotten a bit enlarged. These usually resolve spontaneously within approximately 6 weeks of time. Complex ovarian cysts can be caused by anything from blood (also called endometriomas) or benign or malignant growths. A radiologist or gynecologist can help interpret the findings on an individual basis. Question: What is the treatment for cysts? Answer: Sometimes large or persistent ovarian cysts require surgery as treatment, sometimes they rupture (causing significant pelvic pain at the time and for several days later), and sometimes they can cause the ovary to twist on itself (cutting off the blood supply and requiring surgery as well). Taking birth control pills can help reduce the chances of developing ovarian cysts since these pills temporarily suppress ovarian activity. Unfortunately, taking the "pill" doesn't do much to treat the cyst you may already have. Question: If you are prone to having cysts in your breasts, will you also have ovarian cysts? Answer: In answer to this very common question - just because a woman is prone to cysts in her breasts, or elsewhere in the body, does not necessarily mean she is at increased risk for cysts on the ovaries! The bottom line is: ovarian cysts are common, usually require no treatment and statistically, are usually not cancerous. Wishing you good health, Dr. Jennifer Ashton, M.D., F.A.C.O.G.