Ovarian Cysts

The Department will periodically contact patients waiting for an outpatient clinic appointment via SMS, with a link to an electronic form.  This is part of routine waitlist auditing to ensure patient details are up to date.  If you receive this SMS, please update your details.

Availability

North South North West Statewide

Pre-referral work-up

History

All referrals should comply with referral standards and include in particular:

  • Details of diagnosis – incidental finding or symptomatic
  • Details of any symptoms – pain/cyclical pain/dysmenorrhoea
  • Menstrual history – regular/irregular/changes
  • Gastrointestinal symptoms – note ovarian torsion or cancer can present as this
  • Age of patient – greater cancer risk in pre-pubertal and post-menopausal patients
  • Urinary symptoms
  • Include full details of any examination and ultrasound findings

Tests

  • Pelvic ultrasound – preferably by experienced gynaecological ultrasonographer
  • Tumour markers (CA 125, Ca 19.3, AFP, CEA, hCG, LDH, Inhibin) – when suspicious on ultrasound

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Gynaecology clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

For simple (non-suspicious) cysts <4cm – repeat ultrasound after menstrual period if applicable.

For more information please see the Tasmanian Health Pathways website.

Urgent / category 1

Ovarian cysts associated with persistent or colicky pain, weight loss, anaemia, ascites

Irregularly contoured mass on abdominal or pelvic examination

Routine / category 3

Asymptomatic ovarian cysts

Red flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Emergency:

Proceed to Emergency Department (ED).
LGH ED Reception  – Phone: (03) 6777 6405  Fax: (03) 6777 5201
MCH ED* – Phone: (03) 6478 5120  Fax: (03) 6441 5923
NWRH ED* – Phone: (03) 6493 6351 Fax: (03) 6464 1926
RHH ED Reception – Phone: (03) 6166 6100  Fax: (03) 6173 0489

Advice for medical practitioners can be given by the Medical Officer In Charge (MOIC) - see HealthPathways Tasmania for contact information.
*MCH and NWRH MOICs request GPs call them prior to referring a patient to ensure the patient is being sent appropriately to a safe destination.

Urgent:

Urgent referrals should be accompanied by a phone call to the Consultant/Registrar to organise urgent review.

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks, or sooner if clinically indicated.

Semi-urgent:

We will endeavour to see these patients within 12 weeks

Routine:

Will be seen in turn.