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Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts, which are often benign, may cause you pain, particularly on one side of your pelvis. Most cysts are functional during the reproductive years, meaning they come and go with ovulation. Some may be pathologic, and even malignant. Pelvic exam often detects these cysts, but they need to be confirmed by pelvic ultrasound. If malignancy is suspected, especially with a family history of ovarian cancer, a blood test called Ca-125 (or a new protein test, Ovacheck) is often ordered to help delineate the correct diagnosis. Some cysts spontaneously disappear or may dissolve with medication. Some may be drained with vaginal ultrasound under IV sedation. Others may require a laparoscopic procedure to evaluate and treat them, or even a definitive surgery to remove them. The new daVinci robot system is being increasingly utilized to treat patholoic ovarian cysts using minimally invasive surgery.
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