Ovarian Cysts

Germinal Inclusion Cyst

- most common type of ovarian cyst

- appear as small cysts, which occur from the invagination of surface epithelium

- not solitary, but found in numbers

- have a simple cuboidal epithelial lining

Follicular Cyst

- can be differentiated from germinal inclusion cysts, by the lining

- the lining is thicker, as made up of granulosa cells

- large cysts compress this lining making it thin, similar to germinal inclusion cysts

Luteal Cyst

Luteal cysts are composed of granulosaa cells, which are luteinized in the inner layer of the cyst, and luteal cells which are lipid-rich forming an outer yellow layer. The cysts appear irregular and contain brown or clear fluid. These cysts are believed to be derived from a corpus luteum that has not developed into a corpus albicans.