CONCISE REVIEW FOR PRIMARY-CARE PHYSICIANS - OFFICE MANAGEMENT OF OVARIAN CYSTS

Ovarian cysts are detected in female patients of all ages. The patient 's age, the size of the cyst, and the ultrasound appearance are helpfu l in determining which ovarian cysts necessitate observation and which necessitate surgical excision. The cancer antigen 125 level alone doe s not help to distinguish between benign and malignant ovarian cysts. The combination of benign findings on pelvic examination, a benign ult rasound appearance, and a cancer antigen 125 level within normal limit s indicates a benign origin in practically all cases.