Ovarian Cysts

This condition is treated in the Gynaecology clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

All referrals should comply with referral standards and include in particular:

• Details of diagnosis - incidental finding or symptomatic
• Details of any symptoms - pain/cyclical pain/dysmenorrhoea
• Menstrual history - regular/irregular/changes
• Gastrointestinal symptoms - note ovarian torsion or cancer can present as this
• Age of patient - greater cancer risk in pre-pubertal and post-menopausal patients
• Urinary symptoms
• Include full details of any examination and ultrasound findings

Tests

• Pelvic ultrasound - preferably by experienced gynaecological ultrasonographer
• Tumour markers (CA 125, Ca 19.3, AFP, CEA, hCG, LDH, Inhibin) - when suspicious on ultrasound

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Gynaecology clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

For simple (non-suspicious) cysts under 4cm - repeat ultrasound after menstrual period if applicable.

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Clinic appointments

🚩 Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Urgent (Category 1)

🚩 Ovarian cysts associated with persistent or colicky pain, weight loss, anaemia, ascites

🚩 Irregularly contoured mass on abdominal or pelvic examination

Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the Consultant/Registrar to organise urgent review.

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks, or sooner if clinically indicated.

Routine (Category 3)

Asymptomatic ovarian cysts

Will be seen in turn.

Availability

North

Launceston General Hospital (Level 5)
Phone:  1300 977 694
Fax: 03 6777 5214

North West

North West Regional Hospital
Phone: 6493 6300
Fax: 6464 1928

Mersey Community Hospital
Phone: 1800 636 455 
Fax: 6441 5928

South

Wellington Clinics (Level 8)
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6173 0473