From the Guidelines
Yes, ovarian cysts can occur in women in their 60s, and while they are less common after menopause, they can still develop and may require evaluation to rule out malignancy. According to the most recent evidence from 1, unilocular simple cysts, regardless of size and menopausal status, are not associated with an increased risk of cancer. Key points to consider include:
- The risk of malignancy in simple ovarian cysts is very low, with an absolute 3-year risk of ovarian cancer of 0 to 0.5 cases per 10,000 women, as reported in 1.
- Postmenopausal women with simple cysts greater than 3 cm may require follow-up, as recommended by the Society of Radiologists in Ultrasound (SRU) consensus update in 2019, cited in 1.
- Symptoms of ovarian cysts in postmenopausal women may include pelvic pain, bloating, or pressure, although many cysts remain asymptomatic and are discovered during routine examinations.
- Management of ovarian cysts in postmenopausal women depends on the cyst's characteristics, size, and symptoms, and may range from watchful waiting with follow-up imaging to surgical removal, as suggested by 1 and 1.
- Any postmenopausal woman with an ovarian cyst should consult with her healthcare provider promptly for proper evaluation and management, considering the latest guidelines and recommendations from 1 and 1.
From the Research
Ovarian Cysts in Women in their 60s
- Ovarian cysts can occur in women of all ages, including those in their 60s 2.
- The incidence of ovarian cysts in postmenopausal women is reported to be around 18% over a 15-year period in the USA, and 21.2% in a large screening trial in Europe 3.
- A study found that 2.5 to 18% of post-menopausal women exhibit ovarian cysts 4.
- Although ovarian cysts are more common in premenopausal women, the risk of malignancy increases with age 5.
- Simple ovarian cysts in postmenopausal women can be managed conservatively, and are not likely to be cancer precursors or markers of increased risk 3.
- The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that simple cysts found on ultrasound may be safely followed without intervention, even in postmenopausal women 3.