Endometrioma: the ovarian cyst caused by endometriosis
An endometrioma is a cyst in the ovary formed by endometriosis, sometimes called a "chocolate cyst" for the dark fluid inside. It's one way endometriosis shows up.
Symptoms
It may cause no symptoms and be found on ultrasound, or cause pelvic pain, period pain, and affect fertility.
How it's diagnosed
Ultrasound usually identifies it clearly; MRI helps in complex cases or when planning surgery.
When is surgery needed?
Surgery is considered when the endometrioma grows, causes pain, affects fertility or raises questions that need study. Not all require immediate surgery; small, symptom-free ones can be monitored.
Preserving the ovary
When operated, the goal is to remove the cyst while preserving healthy ovarian tissue (laparoscopic cystectomy). In women who want to conceive, protecting ovarian reserve is a priority — which is why the surgeon's experience matters.
Recognize these symptoms? Take the symptom self-test and, if you need it, book an online evaluation (USD $50) with a specialist in minimally invasive excision surgery for endometriosis.
FAQ
Is an endometrioma cancer?
It's almost always benign; some features prompt closer study.
Can it be removed without harming the ovary?
That's the goal of careful minimally invasive cystectomy.