{"id":507,"date":"2026-05-29T01:32:02","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T01:32:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kdoctorinterview.com\/?p=507"},"modified":"2026-06-11T05:16:29","modified_gmt":"2026-06-11T05:16:29","slug":"ovarian-cyst-first-step-diagnosis-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kdoctorinterview.com\/en\/ovarian-cyst-first-step-diagnosis-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do First When an Ovarian Cyst Is Found\uff5cBenign vs. Malignant, Tests, and Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"


Key Insights on Ovarian Cyst Diagnosis from Dr. Choi Dong-seok of Gangnam Choisang Women\u2019s Clinic<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The moment many women first hear the word \u201covarian cyst,\u201d their hearts often sink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hearing phrases like \u201cthere\u2019s a mass\u201d or \u201ca cyst is visible\u201d alone can cause overwhelming anxiety, and it\u2019s natural to worry whether it might turn into cancer or become malignant over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Choi Dong-seok of Gangnam Choisang Women\u2019s Clinic says that the question he hears most often in the consultation room is, \u201cCan an ovarian cyst turn into cancer over time?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

(Director Choi Dong-seok, Gangnam Choisang Women\u2019s Clinic<\/strong>)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n


However, contrary to what many people assume, an ovarian cyst is already determined to be either benign or malignant from the moment it forms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to understand first that benign ovarian cysts almost never turn malignant over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when an ovarian cyst is first discovered, we cannot know with certainty whether it is benign or malignant, so a diagnostic process is necessary to determine its nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udd38 Over 99% of Ovarian Cysts Are Benign \u2014 Why You Don\u2019t Need to Worry Too Much<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although anyone can feel anxious when an ovarian cyst is found, statistically, more than 99% of ovarian masses are benign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In other words, the likelihood of it being malignant is less than 1%.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022\u2022
Nevertheless, accurate diagnosis is essential because only by clearly identifying the nature of the mass can the appropriate treatment direction be determined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because a definitive diagnosis requires removing part or all of the ovarian tissue for biopsy, it is not easy to decide on surgery from the very beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is why detailed and precise examinations play such an important role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


\ud83d\udd38 What to Do First When an Ovarian Cyst Is Found:<\/em><\/strong> Detailed Examinations to Determine the Exact Nature of the Cyst<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, ovarian cysts are first discovered incidentally during a routine health check-up ultrasound or a gynecological examination. When the doctor determines that a closer look is needed, the following detailed evaluations are typically performed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


\ud83d\udccd 1. Ovarian Tumor Marker Test (Blood Test)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The levels of ovarian cancer\u2013related tumor markers are checked to assess the risk associated with the cyst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\ud83d\udccd 2. MRI Scan<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

MRI allows for a much more detailed assessment than ultrasound, enabling precise evaluation of the cyst\u2019s internal structure, wall thickness, blood flow, and the presence of solid components. This makes it possible to predict the likelihood of benign or malignant disease with very high accuracy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although not absolutely 100%, these two examinations together allow us to determine the nature of an ovarian cyst with accuracy that is very close to 100%.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based on the results, conclusions such as \u201clikely benign\u201d or \u201ccannot rule out malignancy\u201d are made, and the treatment plan is determined accordingly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n


**If the ovarian cyst is benign?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Observation \u00b7 Sclerotherapy \u00b7 Surgery options available**<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Benign ovarian cysts usually do not require urgent treatment, and there are several options depending on their size and shape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Observation (Follow-up)<\/p>\n\n\n\n