How Many Types Of Ovarian Cysts Are There? And What Makes Them Different?

There are numerous types of ovarian cysts. How they differ from each other is all based on their structures and how and where they are formed.

Here are the types and characteristics of types of ovarian cysts:

* Functional

This is your basic, garden variety cyst. The functional cysts usually shrink and dissolve in two or three menstrual cycles.

The functional cysts very rarely occurs in older women who are menopausal. Why? Because, these cysts form during ovulation, which is the process of egg production in the ovaries.

Women in or past menopaus are no longer producing eggs, thus, no cysts.

* Dermoid

Most ovarian cysts are filled with liquid, but the dermoids are filled with other tissues. The dermoid is lined with epithelium, the membranous tissue that protects your internal organs and the other internal surfaces of your body.

But, it doesn't stop there. The dermoid cysts can contain many other tissues. Some examples are skin complete with hair follicles and sweat glands, sometimes long clumps of luxurious hair, and pockets of sebum, blood, fat, bone, nails, teeth, eyes, cartilage, and thyroid tissue.

* Endometrioma

AKA "chocolate cysts." The appearance of these cysts is also known as Endometriosis of the ovaries. The cells that line the uterus form small cysts on the outside of the ovary. These cysts grow and produce Endometriosis.

These endometriomas contain a thick chocolate-looking material, and so the name "chocolate cysts" was born.

* Cystadenoma

There are two types of cystadenoma cysts and they're classified according to which fluid they contain.

A "Serus Cystadenoma" contains a thin watery substance and usually comes with no specific symptoms, unless it gets to be so large that it results in weight gain and a large abdomen.

A "Mucinous Cystadenoma" is filled with a thick, sticky gelatin-like material and can grow to be enormous. Most are between 6 and 12 inches in diameter, but there have been rare cases of huge tumors measuring up to 40 inches and weighing over 100 pounds.

* Polycystic Ovarian Disease

Cysts that form from a buildup of follicle cysts which cause the ovaries to thicken. These cysts cause the ovaries to enlarge and create a thick outer covering which may prevent ovulation from occurring and are often the cause of fertility problems.