Fibroid Uterus Vs. Ovarian and Uterine Cysts

Ovarian cysts are sac-like growths or structures within an ovary. These sacs are filled up with fluid. In general, the concept of a cyst describes a fluid-filled structure. Therefore, all ovarian cysts, by definition, contain at the very least some fluid.

A cyst is a fluid-filled sac, which could be located practically any place in the body. On or within the ovaries, various kinds of cysts may form. Probably the most repeated, most typical type of ovarian cysts will likely be of the type called "functional cysts". Functional cysts frequently form in the normal monthly menstrual cycle.

Every month, the natural cycle is that a woman's ovaries will grow small cysts, each containing one of their eggs. When an egg finishes developing, the sac containing it ruptures, releasing the egg. This happens in order that the egg can then go down the fallopian tube towards the uterus for fertilization.

After opening to free up the egg, the sac then dissolves. In the case with one kind of functional cyst, known as a "follicular cyst", the cyst sac doesn't rupture and launch the egg. Then it could just keep on growing. Follicular cysts normally go away on their own within 1 to 3 months.

An ovarian cyst is, simply speaking, a collection of fluid inside a sac inside the usually more or less solid ovary. There are various kinds of ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts are a very common gynecologic problem. These kinds of cysts are very rarely linked to cancer.

Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomata or myomas, are benign (noncancerous) tumors relatinging to the muscular wall of the uterus. These are by far the most common tumor of the female genital tract. One out of every three women older than 35 is going to be afflicted with them.

Fibroids are categorized depending on their whereabouts inside the uterine wall. Submucous (or submucosal) fibroids appear just under the endometrial lining of the uterine cavity. Intramural fibroids occur inside of the muscular wall. Subserosal fibroids appear under the outside covering of the uterus. As fibroids expand, the distinction between the types becomes less clear.

And so is there a difference between ovarian cysts and fibroid uterus?

Both cysts and fibroids are unwanted growths. However the fundamental difference is the fact that cysts are filled with fluid and fibroids are not.

Fibroids are more or less solid, like a fibrous mass.

Also there is a locational distinction:

-- Uterine cysts are cysts situated on, in or near the uterus.

-- Uterine fibroids are fibroids found on, in or close to the uterus.

-- Ovarian cysts are cysts located on, in or near the ovaries.

The good news is, it is very rare and unusual for any of these to be found to be cancerous.