What are follicle and luteal cysts?

➢ Follicle and luteal cysts in the ovaries are so commonplace that they may be considered variants of normal physiology. ➢ These innocuous lesions originate from unruptured graafian follicles or from follicles that rupture and then immediately seal. ➢ Such cysts often are multiple and develop subjacent to the serosa of the ovary. ➢ They typically are small (1–1.5 cm in diameter) and are filled with clear serous fluid. Occasionally, they become sufficiently large (4–5 cm) to produce palpable masses and pelvic pain. ➢ When small, they are lined by granulosa lining cells or luteal cells, but as fluid accumulates, pressure may cause atrophy of these cells. ➢ Sometimes these cysts rupture, producing intraperitoneal bleeding and peritoneal symptoms (acute abdomen).