Ovarian Cyst...

An ovarian cyst is any collection of fluid, surrounded by a very thin wall, within an ovary. Any ovarian follicle that is larger than about two centimeters is termed an ovarian cyst. An ovarian cyst can be as small as a pea, or as large as a grapefruit.

Most ovarian cysts are functional in nature, and harmless (benign).

In the US ovarian cysts are found in nearly all premenopausal women, and in up to 14.8% of postmenopausal women. The incidence of ovarian carcinoma is approximately 15 cases per 100,000 women per year.

Ovarian cysts affect women of all ages. They occur most often, however, during a woman's childbearing years.  Some ovarian cysts cause problems, such as bleeding and pain. Surgery may be required to remove those cysts.