Ovarian Cyst vs. Ovarian Cancer: What Is The Difference?

Being told you have an ovarian cyst can be unsettling. It is natural for questions to surface, especially when the word “cyst” brings thoughts of something serious. Many women share this initial worry, and you are not alone in feeling this way.

Even though they both involve the ovaries, ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer are different conditions. Most ovarian cysts are common and resolve on their own, while ovarian cancer is far less common and develops differently.

Understanding how the two compare, what symptoms to pay attention to, and when to seek medical advice can help you feel more informed and reassured.

What is an ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a small, fluid-filled sac that develops on or inside one of your ovaries.

These cysts are very common, especially if you are in your reproductive years. Most of them are harmless and usually go away on their own without you even realising it.

In some cases, you may experience mild bloating, a bit of pelvic discomfort, or changes in your periods, but you usually don’t need any treatment. In fact, many cysts are discovered by chance during routine check-ups or imaging tests.

What is ovarian cancer?

Ovarian cancer is very different from a cyst. It’s a disease that starts in your ovaries, the organs responsible for producing your eggs and hormones, where abnormal cells grow out of control.

Unlike a harmless cyst, ovarian cancer can spread to nearby tissues or other parts of your body if it’s not caught early.

One of the challenges of identifying ovarian cancer is that it usually doesn’t cause any noticeable symptoms in its early stages. That’s why doctors sometimes call it a “silent” disease.

For this reason, paying attention to subtle changes in your body is very important for early detection. If something feels off or you notice unusual changes, it’s best to consult your doctor early.

Key differences between ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer

So, what is the difference between an ovarian cyst and ovarian cancer, and how can you distinguish them?

The main distinction lies in how they behave in your body. Ovarian cysts are usually temporary and benign (non-cancerous). Most of them develop as a natural part of your menstrual cycle and disappear on their own within a few weeks or months without any treatment.

Ovarian cancer, on the other hand, involves abnormal cells that grow in an uncontrolled way and can spread to other parts of your body. It is a persistent condition that needs proper medical care.

It's completely understandable to feel worried when you hear these terms. But understanding the differences between these two can help ease your anxiety and give you clarity on what to watch for.

Symptoms

Symptoms can sometimes overlap between the two, so it’s natural to feel uncertain about which one you may have. Both cause bloating or pelvic discomfort, but they present in different ways.

Ovarian cysts

If you have ovarian cysts, you may notice:

• Mild abdominal or pelvic pain

• Bloating

• Pain during intercourse

In many cases, cysts cause only mild or no symptoms at all. They also rarely affect your overall health.

Ovarian cancer

Ovarian cancer symptoms can be subtle and easy to miss at first, so it’s easy to mistake them for common digestive or hormonal issues.

When it progresses, there are some warning signs you can watch for:

• Persistent bloating

• Ongoing pelvic or abdominal pain

• Feeling full after only a small meal

• Frequent urination

• Unexplained fatigue

• Sudden weight changes (loss or gain)

• Unusual bleeding, especially after menopause

If you’re experiencing these symptoms and they persist for more than a few weeks, it’s important to check with your doctor just to be safe. 

Having these symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer, as many benign conditions can also cause these signs. But seeing your doctor early can give you peace of mind and ensure that  you have more options if treatment is needed later.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms and wondering what’s going on, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical. Our specialists will assess your situation and create a personalised care plan for your specific needs.

Risk factors

The risk factors also differ between ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer. Knowing these factors can help you understand what’s normal and when to seek care. This is especially important for ovarian cancer, which often shows vague or “silent” symptoms in early stages.

Ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are more common if you:

• Are in your reproductive years

• Have hormonal fluctuations during your menstrual cycle

• Have endometriosis

• Have pelvic infections

• Have had previous ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts are usually a normal part of how your ovaries function. If you have concerns about these cysts, scheduling regular check-ups with your doctor can help you monitor them and make sure there’s nothing serious.

Ovarian cancer

Your risk of ovarian cancer may be higher if you:

• Have a family history of ovarian cancer

• Have genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2

• Are over 50 years old

• Have never been pregnant

• Have had breast cancer, uterine cancer, or endometrial cancer

While these factors can increase risk, having one or more of them doesn’t mean you are guaranteed to develop ovarian cancer. In fact, many women with these risks never get cancer. Knowing your risk simply helps you and your doctor decide when closer monitoring or checkups may be helpful.

Link between ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer

Most ovarian cysts are harmless and don’t lead to cancer. However, there are certain types of cysts that may need more attention, especially if they contain abnormal or pre-cancerous cells. 

For this reason, your doctor may suggest imaging or follow-up appointments to monitor your cysts over time. Having a cyst does not always mean you will develop ovarian cancer, but keeping track of persistent or unusual cysts is important to help you catch changes early and stay on track with your ovarian health.

How are ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer diagnosed?

If you’re experiencing symptoms or your doctor has found something during a pelvic examination, they may suggest some routine tests to get a clear picture of what’s going on inside you.

These tests may include:

• Imaging tests:

  • Your doctor usually starts with an ultrasound scan to look for cysts or detect growths on your ovaries. 

  • In some cases, if they need more detailed images, they may recommend CT scans or MRI scans to get a closer look.

• Blood tests:

  • If you have certain risk factors, your doctor may order a CA125 blood test, which can help detect ovarian cancer.

• Biopsy or surgical procedure:

  • Sometimes, your doctor may suggest removing the cyst or taking a tissue sample to examine it under a microscope to get the most accurate diagnosis.

Your test results will usually be ready within a few days, though the exact timing depends on which tests you've had. The waiting can feel difficult, and it's completely normal to feel anxious during this time. If worries come up while you're waiting, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor. They're there to listen, answer your questions, and help you feel more at ease.

Treating ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer

Fortunately, there are effective treatments for both ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer. However, the approaches are very different.

Ovarian cysts

Most ovarian cysts don’t need treatment at all. Your doctor may recommend follow-up ultrasounds to monitor them and make sure they disappear on their own. 

If a cyst is large and causes discomfort or persists over time, you may need medication to prevent new cysts from forming or surgery to remove the cyst.

Ovarian cancer

For ovarian cancer, your treatment plan will depend on the stage of cancer when it’s detected. Usually, the earlier it’s found, the better the outcome.

Treatment options your doctor may suggest include:

• Surgical treatment:

  • This helps remove the tumour or affected ovaries. 

• Chemotherapy:

  • Chemotherapy involves using medication to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.

• Targeted therapy:

  • This is a newer treatment that targets cancer cells specifically, without affecting healthy ones.

• A combination approach:

  • Your doctor may combine different treatments for the best results.

Hearing about cancer treatments can be scary, and that’s normal. Everyone’s journey is different, but with the right care and support, many women respond well to treatment. Your doctor will be with you at every step, explaining your options and helping you make decisions that feel right for you.

If you have concerns about your ovarian health, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical to get the personalised care you deserve.

FAQ

How fast do ovarian cysts grow?

How do you know if the cyst is cancerous?

What can happen if a cyst is left untreated?

Does having an ovarian cyst increase your chances of developing ovarian cancer?

How can I reduce my risk of ovarian cancer?

Can ovarian cysts go away on their own?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.