It is a small, almond-shaped organ located on either side of the uterus that matures and releases healthy eggs every month, enabling a woman's pregnancy. It also plays a very important role in preventing aging by secreting key female hormones such as estrogen, thereby maintaining bone and cardiovascular health, bodily balance, and preventing aging.

No. Ovarian cysts are classified into functional cysts (occurring temporarily during the ovulation process and potentially disappearing naturally within 2 to 3 months) and benign ovarian tumors (endometriomas, ovarian teratomas, serous cysts, and mucinous cysts). For small functional cysts in young women, periodic monitoring is sufficient. However, if the cyst is large, has a potential for malignancy, or is discovered after menopause, only the cyst is removed while preserving the ovary using single-port laparoscopy or Da Vinci robotic surgery.

Benign ovarian tumors are classified into four types: ① ovarian endometriomas (cysts formed when endometrial tissue grows in the ovary, also known as 'chocolate cysts'), ② ovarian teratomas (cysts containing a mixture of various tissues such as skin, hair, and teeth), ③ serous cysts (clear fluid), and ④ mucinous cysts (sticky mucus). Since the treatment approach differs for each type based on size, symptoms, and risk of malignancy, precise differentiation is crucial.

The exact cause of endometriosis has not yet been identified. Currently, it is known that a combination of factors is involved: ① retrograde menstruation (entering the abdominal cavity through the fallopian tubes), ② immunological factors (failure to remove retrograde endometrial tissue due to immune system defects), and ③ genetic factors (a 6 to 7-fold increase in the risk of developing the condition with a family history). Endometriosis can occur in various locations, and endometrial symptoms occurring in the ovaries are referred to as ovarian endometriomas (endometriomas).

This is a severe condition in which endometrial tissue penetrates deep into the pelvic cavity, including the bladder, intestines, and ureters, forming sticky adhesions that cause extreme pain and infertility. Since diagnosis is difficult and treatment requires preventing damage to surrounding organs and delicate nerves, Da Vinci robotic surgery, which precisely removes only the lesion using a 10x magnified 3D view, is the most effective and safe treatment method.

Endometriomas are called 'chocolate cysts' because endometrial tissue implants in the ovary, causing bleeding and pooling like menstrual blood, giving them a dark red color. If the cyst is 4cm or smaller and symptoms are mild, progression is inhibited with hormone medication; however, if the cyst is 4cm or larger, if pregnancy is planned, or if pain is severe, only the cyst is precisely removed using single-port laparoscopy or Da Vinci robotic surgery to preserve normal ovarian tissue as much as possible.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an ovulation disorder characterized by irregular ovulation and menstruation due to an imbalance of female hormones. Although small follicles (cysts) form in clusters in both ovaries, normal ovulation does not occur. Major symptoms include oligomenorrhea (less than 35 days), amenorrhea, abnormal bleeding, hyperandrogenism (acne, hirsutism), and obesity, and it is closely associated with insulin resistance.

It is a malformed benign tumor in which germ cells differentiate abnormally, containing hair, bone, fat, and other substances inside. It does not disappear with medication and carries the risk of ovarian torsion, where the ovary itself twists and necroses due to its weight. Since it can rarely progress to malignancy, the principle is to remove it surgically immediately upon discovery.

Benign ovarian cysts found in young women in their 20s and 30s are mostly simple functional cysts that disappear naturally and do not develop into cancer. However, if a new cyst appears after menopause, grows abnormally large, or if hard solid material is visible inside the cyst, there is a possibility that it is malignant (ovarian cancer), so a thorough examination is essential.

Initial malignancy is determined through transvaginal ultrasound and ovarian cancer marker tests (CA-125, HE4, ROMA). If cancer is suspected even slightly or the composition of the tumor is ambiguous, a pelvic MRI is performed to differentiate the composition and morphology of the mass. If ovarian cancer is strongly suspected, a postoperative biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis.

Yes, it is possible. Mint Hospital prioritizes ovary and fallopian tube preservation. We use laparoscopic or Da Vinci robotic surgery to precisely remove only the cysts while preserving normal ovarian tissue as much as possible. This can improve the natural pregnancy rate after surgery, and we provide guidance on when pregnancy is possible (usually 3 to 6 months).

Laparoscopic surgery involves a 2–3 cm incision at the navel, resulting in minimal scarring and rapid recovery; it is suitable for single ovarian cysts and small endometriomas. Da Vinci robotic surgery offers greater precision for challenging cases, such as bilateral endometriomas, complex cysts, and deep endometriosis, utilizing a 3D HD view magnified more than 10 times and 540 degrees of free articulation. Since Mint Hospital performs both procedures in-house, we select the optimal method tailored to the patient's condition.

The medical staff at Mint Hospital’s Women’s Medical Center holds subspecialties in gynecological oncology and has accumulated extensive clinical experience at Asan Medical Center, Samsung Seoul Hospital, and Kangdong Kyung Hee University Hospital. Specializing in the treatment of uterine and ovarian diseases for over 20 years, they operate a close multidisciplinary collaborative system between the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Department of Radiology.

All nurses at Mint Hospital's inpatient wards provide dedicated care for inpatients. Since 2024, the hospital has maintained Grade A, the highest rating under the differential nursing grade system, which ensures one patient per nurse. The hospital offers a variety of inpatient rooms, including single, double, and multi-bed rooms, and features lounges equipped with water purifiers and microwaves. An outdoor walking path, a convenience store, and a pharmacy are located on the first floor of the building, while a café is situated on the fourth floor.

Mint Hospital is a specialized hospital for uterine and ovarian diseases located in Munjeong-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul. It is a medical institution dedicated to women's health equipped with a multidisciplinary collaborative system involving Obstetrics and Gynecology and Radiology. While many patients from the Gangnam, Gangdong, Jamsil, Wirye, and Hanam areas visit the hospital, its proximity to KTX and SRT Suseo Station also attracts many patients from other regions.