Figure II-5-1. Ultrasonographic Appearance of a Functional CystManagement. Most functional cysts can be managed expectantly, but surgery is
indicated if certain characteristics are present.
Observation. If the sonogram shows a simple cyst it is probably benign, but
careful follow-up is needed. Follow-up exam should be in 6–8 weeks, at
which time the functional cyst should have spontaneously resolved. During
this period of observation the patient should be alerted to the possibility of
acute onset of pain, which may be indicative of torsion of the adnexal cyst.
Oral contraceptive medication can be used to help prevent further functional
cysts from forming.
Laparoscopy. Even if the cyst is simple in appearance, surgical evaluation
should be performed if the cyst >7 cm or if patient had been on prior steroid