Reuters Health Information (2010-02-02): Simple ovarian cysts not linked to cancer in postmenopausal women

"Women with and without simple cysts were at similar risk of invasive ovarian cancer after nearly 8 years of follow-up evaluation, the authors write. Furthermore, traditional ovarian cancer risk factors, such as increasing age, family history of breast or ovarian cancer, nulliparity, and infertility, were not associated with simple cysts. Finally, changes in average CA-125 were not correlated with increases in the number or progression of simple cysts.Thus, Dr. Greenlee and his group conclude, "Simple cysts are not likely cancer precursors or markers of increased risk and can be followed conservatively.""