If a woman has a cyst in the ovary, it does not mean she has ovarian cancer, whereas, ovarian cancer is the abnormal cell growth of ovarian cells called epithelial, germ and stromal cells to produce a tumour. Ovarian cancer can start in the ovaries or fallopian tube to rarely reach the abdomen or cervix. A study has shown that the cases of ovarian cancer due to the tumour are more than a cyst.
On the other hand, ovarian cyst forms when the sac in which eggs grow does not break open and the fluid inside the sac forms a cyst on the ovary. This condition is called a follicle cyst. Moreover, the sac often dissolves on its own once the egg is released. However, sometimes the sac does not dissolve and collects fluid to form a cyst. This condition is called a Corpus Luteum Cyst. Other cysts in the ovaries are dermoid cysts, cystadenomas and endometriomas.
Ovarian cancer and ovarian cysts can present with similar symptoms, but the underlying causes and treatment options are very different. To understand these differences in depth, take a look at this comprehensive article.
In some women, cysts can collect in the ovary to cause a medical condition called polycystic ovary syndrome. Most ovarian cysts are not harmful and generally go away with the menstrual cycle. However, a cyst can increase the risk of ovarian cancer in women who have hit their menopause.
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