The vast majority of ovarian cysts are considered functional. Functional cysts, in an ultrasound image, resemble bubbles. these "bubbles" contain only fluid and are surrounded by a very thin wall. Some more common types of ovarian cysts include, but are not limited to:
Corpus Lutem Cysts: After an egg has been released from a follicle, this type of functional ovarian cyst occurs. Afterward, the follicle becomes what is known as a corpus luteum. The corpus luteum usually breaks down and disappears if a pregnancy doesn't occur. Whereas, it may still fill with fluid or blood and persist on the ovary. The majority of the time, this cyst is found on only one side and produces no symptoms.
Follicular Cyst: This is a simple type of cyst that can form when ovulation does not occur or when a mature follicle collapses on itself. Follicular cysts typically form at the time of ovulation with some spanning as big as 2.3 inches. When ruptured, this cyst creates a severe pain on the same side its on. This pain is known as Mittelschmerz.
Hemorrhagic Cyst: Functional type of cyst that occurs when bleeding occurs inside a cyst. Symptoms of this cyst are abdominal pain on one side of the body.
Less Common Types Of Cysts:
There are many different types of cysts; the following types are non-functional and much less common than functional cysts, but do still occur:
Cystadenomas: Cysts that develop from ovarian tissue and may be filled with a watery liquid or a mucous material. They can become very large, with some reaching 12 inches or more in diameter, and can quickly lead to ovarian torsion. Ovarian torsion is the twisting of your ovary and can have excruciatingly painful consequences.
Dermoid Cysts: It is possible for this type of cyst to contain bodily tissues such as hair, teeth or skin because they form from the cells that produce human eggs. Although rarely cancerous, they can become large, causing movement of the ovary out of its original location in the pelvis, thus increasing the chance of ovarian torsion.
Endometriomas: A condition in which uterine cells grow outside your uterus, called endometriosis, develops these cysts as a result. Some of that tissue may attach to your ovary and form a growth.