Prior to menopause, a mass on the ovary that is smaller than 2 centimeters is probably a follicle cyst that will go away on its own. However, if the growth is larger and doesn't go away over the course of a few menstrual cycles, then it may need to be removed.
Review Date: 11/9/2007
Reviewed By: Peter Chen, M.D., Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.