Is surgery necessary for ovarian cysts?
Disease description:
A colleague of mine, in her thirties, was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst. The doctor recommended surgery, but she does not want to undergo the procedure. I would like to ask the doctor: is surgery absolutely necessary for ovarian cysts?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Lu
Ovarian cysts do not necessarily require surgery. Whether surgery is needed depends on multiple factors including the size and nature of the cyst, as well as the patient's symptoms.
If the ovarian cyst is small, with a diameter less than 5cm, and the patient does not experience significant discomfort such as abdominal pain, bloating, or menstrual irregularities, surgical treatment is usually not required. Doctors may recommend regular ultrasound or other imaging examinations to monitor changes in the cyst. In some patients, ovarian cysts may be absorbed or disappear on their own after a period of time.
If the ovarian cyst has a diameter greater than or equal to 5cm, or if the cyst persists and grows despite its initially small size, it may compress surrounding tissues and cause symptoms such as lower abdominal pressure or pain. In such cases, surgical treatment is usually necessary.
Patients with ovarian cysts should maintain a balanced diet in daily life and avoid consuming spicy or cold foods, such as barbecued food, ice cream, and cold beverages. These foods may stimulate cyst growth or worsen symptoms.
