I have just been told that I have an ovarian cyst on my right ovary. I thought I was pregnant. I had blood work done and my HCG level was 508, which was a perfect indication of where I thought I was in pregnancy. I was then told that I was never pregnant and that the cyst mimicked pregnancy. Is that possible? How could the hormone could be in my blood if I wasn't pregnant?

Kate

Certain types of ovarian cysts or tumors -- in particular, one called dysgerminoma -- can produce the hormone HCG, the hormone measured with pregnancy tests. HCG can also be produced by an ectopic pregnancy -- one that attaches in the abdomen, ovary or fallopian tube. HCG-producing ovarian tumors are best removed surgically.