Are most ovarian cysts dangerous?

The vast majority of ovarian cysts are benign. In premenopausal women, most are simple functional cysts that resolve spontaneously within 1–3 cycles. Complex cysts require further assessment, but even these are usually benign. Your sonographer will clearly explain the characteristics of your cyst and what they mean.

What size ovarian cyst is concerning?

In premenopausal women, simple cysts under 5cm are generally reassuring. Cysts over 5cm, or any complex cyst with thick walls, septa, or solid components, warrant further investigation regardless of size. Post-menopausal women with any cyst over 1cm should have specialist assessment.

Will I need a transvaginal scan?

A transvaginal scan provides significantly better image quality for ovarian cyst assessment than a transabdominal scan alone. We recommend it for all ovarian cyst assessments, but it is always your choice. The procedure is gentle and takes only a few minutes.

How often should I have my cyst monitored?

NICE guidelines recommend repeat ultrasound at 4–6 months for simple cysts in premenopausal women. Your sonographer will advise on the appropriate follow-up interval based on your cyst's characteristics.

Can an ultrasound tell if a cyst is cancerous?

Ultrasound cannot definitively diagnose ovarian cancer, but it can identify features that are reassuring (simple, thin-walled, no vascularity) or concerning (complex, thick walls, solid components, increased blood flow). If concerning features are present, your report will recommend appropriate specialist referral.

Do I need a GP referral?

No referral is needed. You can book directly online or by telephone. Same-day appointments are available Monday to Saturday.

HCPC Registered— All sonographers

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Same-Day Available— Mon – Sat

Written Report— Within 24 hours

HCPC Registered

CQC Compliant

Same-Day Available

Written Report

Women's Health

Ovarian Cyst Scan

Detailed ultrasound assessment of ovarian cysts to characterise their nature, monitor their size, and guide the appropriate management pathway.

20–30 minutes

Same-day appointments

Marylebone, London W1

HCPC RegisteredCQC CompliantSame-Day AvailableWritten Report IncludedWomen's Health Expert

£235

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4.9/5 from 600+ patients

HCPC-registered sonographers

Written report within 24 hours

Same-day appointments available

CQC-compliant clinic

Understanding Your Situation

An Ovarian Cyst Diagnosis Can Feel Frightening — It Doesn't Have to Be

Most ovarian cysts are benign and resolve on their own — but that knowledge is hard to hold onto when you're waiting for answers. An ovarian cyst scan provides a detailed, expert assessment of the cyst's characteristics: its size, internal structure, blood flow, and whether it has any features that warrant further investigation. In the UK, ovarian cysts affect approximately 1 in 10 women, and the vast majority are simple functional cysts that require no treatment. At our Marylebone clinic on Weymouth Street, same-day appointments are available and no GP referral is needed.

Clinical Overview

What is an Ovarian Cyst Scan?

An ovarian cyst scan is a transvaginal or transabdominal ultrasound examination specifically focused on characterising ovarian cysts. Using the RMI (Risk of Malignancy Index) and IOTA (International Ovarian Tumour Analysis) criteria, our specialist sonographers assess cyst morphology — including size, wall thickness, internal echoes, septa, and vascularity — to classify cysts as simple, complex, or requiring further investigation. The scan follows NICE guideline CG122 for ovarian cyst management.

Is This Scan Right for You?

Who Should Book This Scan?

Women with a known ovarian cyst requiring monitoring or characterisation

Those with pelvic pain, bloating, or pressure symptoms that may indicate a cyst

Patients with an incidental cyst finding on a previous scan or examination

Women with irregular periods or hormonal symptoms associated with ovarian cysts

Those with a family history of ovarian cancer seeking reassurance

Post-menopausal women with any ovarian cyst requiring urgent assessment

Diagnostic Scope

What This Scan Can Detect

Simple Functional Cysts

Thin-walled, fluid-filled cysts with no internal structure — the most common type, typically resolving spontaneously within 1–3 menstrual cycles.

Dermoid Cysts (Teratomas)

Cysts containing mixed tissue types including fat, hair, and calcification, with a characteristic ultrasound appearance. Usually benign but may require surgical removal.

Endometriomas

Chocolate cysts containing old blood from endometriosis, with a characteristic ground-glass appearance on ultrasound. Associated with pelvic pain and fertility problems.

Polycystic Ovarian Morphology

Multiple small follicles arranged around the ovarian periphery, associated with PCOS and hormonal imbalance.

Complex or Suspicious Cysts

Cysts with thick walls, internal septa, solid components, or increased vascularity that require further investigation or specialist referral.

Your Appointment

What Happens During Your Scan

Transabdominal assessment

The scan begins with a transabdominal view of the pelvis with a full bladder to assess the overall pelvic anatomy and cyst size.

Transvaginal scan

A transvaginal probe provides superior resolution for detailed cyst characterisation, including wall thickness, internal structure, and vascularity.

IOTA characterisation

The sonographer applies IOTA simple rules and ADNEX model criteria to classify the cyst and assess the likelihood of malignancy.

Doppler assessment

Colour Doppler evaluates blood flow within and around the cyst, which is an important feature in distinguishing benign from potentially malignant lesions.

Report & management guidance

Findings are explained immediately. A written report following NICE CG122 guidelines is provided, with clear recommendations for follow-up or referral.

Before Your Appointment

How to Prepare for Your Scan

1
Arrive with a comfortably full bladder for the initial transabdominal scan
2
You will be asked to empty your bladder before the transvaginal scan
3
Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy access to your lower abdomen
4
Bring any previous scan reports or letters from your GP or gynaecologist
5
Allow 30–45 minutes for your appointment including discussion time

After Your Scan

Understanding Your Ovarian Cyst Scan Results

Your sonographer will explain the cyst characteristics and their clinical significance during the scan. Simple cysts in premenopausal women under 5cm typically require no further investigation. Complex cysts or those with concerning features will be clearly described in your written report with recommendations for follow-up imaging, CA-125 blood testing, or gynaecological referral as appropriate under NICE CG122 guidelines.

Why Private?