Women should not be alarmed by the relatively common problem of functional ovarian cysts. These cysts do not predict or develop into cancer. Most of them will not cause any noticeable symptoms or require treatment, although some will cause enough pain to warrant treatment of some kind.

A follicular cyst can form when a mature follicle falls in on itself or when ovulation fails to take place. Follicular cysts are a simple class of ovarian cyst that usually produces no symptoms. Follicular cysts can grow to approximately 2.3 inches across, but usually disappear by themselves within a few months after their appearance.

A corpus luteum cyst can result when the ovarian gland produces progesterone during ovulation and a egg is released as the menstrual cycle progresses. A round gland called the corpus luteum is filled with fluid and about a inch in diameter when healthy and functioning properly. Generally they appear in the early months or pregnancy or even just at the end of the menstrual cycle and are asymptomatic, healing on their own without symptoms and may never even be noticed.

A hemorrhagic cyst is a type of functional ovarian cyst that contains or releases blood. Though these cysts don't always burst, when they do burst they leak blood and cause a burning sensation across the pelvic area. However, hemorrhagic cysts are fairly common and do not normally require treatment. Doctors may surgically remove hemorrhagic cysts when they think it indicates the presence of endometriosis.

Women can develop dermoid cysts at any time and age, but dermoid cysts are a higher risk during the childbearing years. A dermoid cyst is one type of an ovarian cyst that grows from the totipotential germ cell in the ovaries. Tissues such as bone, teeth and hair can form from this ovarian cell. Dermoid cysts may contain solid physical tissue. Sometimes doctors find hair and teeth forming in these cysts. They are commonly removed because they may block the flow of blood to the ovaries.

An ovarian cyst that is pathological includes both tumors and endometriosis. These are not common and can only be found after examination by a doctor. A tumor can be defined as a pathological ovarian cyst and be either cancerous or not, benign or malignant. Tumors need to be dealt with as soon as they are discovered. A tumor is generally 6 cm or over, thick walled and persistent. On the other hand women in their prime reproductive years will often develop endometrioid cysts. These endometrioid cysts are present when a woman has endometriosis and are formed when a portion of endometrial tissue bleeds, falls off and then becomes transplanted in the ovaries.

Ovarian cysts may differ in type; each type must be diagnosed properly and treated accordingly. Functional cysts are more common than pathological cysts. All women should safeguard their health by learning about ovarian cysts and discussing the possibility of cysts with their physicians.