Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 9/4/2025

Management of Mucous Cysts

Natural History and Spontaneous Regression

  • Pancreatic pseudocysts that are <6 cm in size have a 60% chance of spontaneous resolution, according to the American Gastroenterological Association 1
  • Approximately 68-72% of adnexal masses, including mucous cysts, that are 2.5-5.0 cm or with complex features spontaneously resolve by 6 weeks after delivery in pregnant women, as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2
  • Hyperreactio luteinalis, characterized by multiple theca lutein cysts, typically spontaneously regresses after delivery, as noted by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2
  • Pancreatic pseudocysts ≥6 cm have a higher risk of complications and more frequently require interventions, as reported by the American Gastroenterological Association 1
  • Pregnancy-related cysts have a high rate of spontaneous resolution post-delivery, according to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists 2

Potential Complications

  • Infection is a potential complication in some cases of untreated cysts, as noted by the American Academy of Periodontology 3
  • Misdiagnosis of malignant lesions as benign mucous cysts can occur, highlighting the importance of accurate diagnosis, as recommended by the American College of Radiology 4