However, a small percentage of pathological cysts — less than 1% — are malignant, or cancerous. These ovarian cancer cysts are masses of cancer cells and more common after menopause.

While most pathological cysts aren't cancerous, there's a small chance they could be, which is why doctors often recommend surgery to remove them.

Ovarian cyst removal can improve health and may lead to weight loss by decreasing inflammation and fluid retention. Learn ...

Most are not cancerous and usually disappear within three months. DR BRIGID MONDA warns that if they persist, a woman should see a doctor so that they can be surgically removed ...

At Mayo Clinic, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Imaging also revealed she had an ovarian cyst.

Finding ovarian cysts on an ultrasound scan isn't a cancer sentence for women who are middle-aged and older, a new UK screening study suggests.

During testing and examinations, doctors eventually found an ovarian cyst and Smith was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. “ (The numbness) does seem unrelated,” she says.