Which statement about functional ovarian cysts is true regarding persistence and management?

Which statement about functional ovarian cysts is true regarding persistence and management?

• A. They always resolve within two cycles
• B. They should be treated with long-term hormonal suppression
• C. If they persist longer than 12 weeks, surgical evaluation should be considered
• D. No follow-up imaging is needed

Answer: (C)

Functional ovarian cysts arise from normal ovulatory physiology and typically resolve on their own within one to two menstrual cycles. When a cyst persists beyond about 12 weeks, the likelihood of benign self-resolution decreases and concern for other pathology increases, so evaluating with a clinician is warranted and surgical evaluation should be considered to obtain a definitive diagnosis and guide management. This approach balances watchful waiting for typical behavior with timely investigation when persistence raises red flags. Short-lived cysts may resolve without intervention, long-term hormonal suppression isn’t the standard strategy for a persistent cyst, and skipping follow-up imaging could miss ongoing progression or alarming features.

Functional ovarian cysts arise from normal ovulatory physiology and typically resolve on their own within one to two menstrual cycles. When a cyst persists beyond about 12 weeks, the likelihood of benign self-resolution decreases and concern for other pathology increases, so evaluating with a clinician is warranted and surgical evaluation should be considered to obtain a definitive diagnosis and guide management. This approach balances watchful waiting for typical behavior with timely investigation when persistence raises red flags. Short-lived cysts may resolve without intervention, long-term hormonal suppression isn’t the standard strategy for a persistent cyst, and skipping follow-up imaging could miss ongoing progression or alarming features.