Ovarian Cyst Specialist in NYC

Doctor Steven R. Goldstein MD is considered one of the nation’s top Gynecologists. He is located in New York and has been in practice for over 25 years. He is a past Chairman of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, New York Chapter and has extensive experience.

Dr Goldstein addresses the below to patients who have been told they have ovarian cysts, or patients who are looking for information on ovarian cysts.

What is an Ovarian Cyst?

Beware if you’ve been told you have an “ovarian cyst.” This is a very non-specific term. All it means is that there is a fluid-filled structure within your ovary. Each month a healthy premenopausal patient forms a 2 ½ centimeter “cyst”, which is the dominant follicle prior to ovulation. If ovulation does not take place and this follicle enlarges, it becomes known as a “follicular cyst.”

Furthermore, after ovulation, there is often some small amount of bleeding into the area of ovulation, and this can be known as a “hemorrhagic cyst.” Both of these entities are often referred to as “functional cysts” and will disappear. (I prefer to call them “dysfunctional” cysts) They are, however, not tumors.

Can an “Ovarian Cyst” ever become cancerous?

This “ovarian cyst” is not a tumor (benign or malignant) and does not require any intervention. In addition, benign ovarian structures do not become malignant. This is not the same as in the cervix, breast, or uterine lining where there are well-defined pre-cancer changes that will ultimately “cross the line.” Thus, many women who are told they have an ovarian cyst want it out “before it becomes cancer.” Such benign growths do not become cancer.

It is understandable, however, that when told one has an ovarian “cyst” it puts fear into the patient. I wish I had a dollar for every patient who was told she had an ovarian cyst who said she wanted it out before it “becomes cancer.” This is not the way ovarian tumors behave. Therefore, if we can reliably diagnose an ovarian cystic mass as being benign the chances of transforming into malignancy are virtually zero.

What should be done if you’re told you have an Ovarian Cyst?

If you have been told you have an ovarian cyst or suspect you have one, Dr. Goldstein can evaluate you with a transvaginal ultrasound and color Doppler ultrasound to distinguish if it is truly suspicious and, perhaps, needs surgical removal, or should be left alone.

Sonographically, we do this by

1) the lack of any solid area coming off the cyst wall, and

2) the lack of any vascularity as measured by color flow Doppler ultrasound. Tumors need blood to grow, to divide, to invade, and the lack of any vascularity is an extremely reassuring sign. A colleague of mine once lecturing gave the throw-away line of “no color, no cancer.” When people have what appear to be benign growths of ovaries, rather than remove them, we continue to watch them and be sure that they maintain those sonographic features that are reassuring of their benign (non-cancerous) nature.

Dr. Goldstein is a former Director of Ultrasound at NYU Langone Medical Center and a past President of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine. He will personally do the ultrasounds to evaluate any ovarian cyst conditions. Please click the button below or call the office to make an appointment for evaluation.