MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Ovarian cyst

Skip navigation

Medical Encyclopedia

Ovarian cyst

An ovarian cyst is a sac filled with fluid, or a semisolid material, that develops on or within the ovary. Ovarian cysts are relatively common and usually disappear without treatment.

Update Date: 1/5/2007

Updated by: Robert L. Debernardo, M.D., Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 1997-2008, A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.