Fibroid vs Cyst

As a woman, you may have heard the terms “fibroids” and “ovarian cysts.” Both affect the reproductive system, but they are not the same. In fact, fibroids are more common, observed in 60% of Indian women, while cysts affect only around 25%. Despite their frequent occurrence, many women aren’t aware of their basic differences or early symptoms, which could result in long-term reproductive health complications such as infertility, urinary problems, and discomfort, thus disrupting their quality of life. That’s why, in this blog, we’ll break down the difference between fibroid and ovarian cysts and the symptoms you should look out for. 

What are Fibroids?

Fibroids are benign muscular and fibrous tissue growths that develop on or inside the uterus. These growths can range from tiny lumps to large masses that may impact the shape and size of the uterus. Based on their location, fibroids can be divided into four types:

• Intramural Fibroids:  They are located within the width of the uterus and, depending upon their size, can cause heavy bleeding or prolonged periods. 
• Submucosal Fibroids: They grow towards the internal layer of the uterus and protrude into the uterine cavity. They are known to impact fertility and cause heavy bleeding during menstruation.
• Subserosal Fibroids: These are located near the outer layer, or serosa, of the uterus. They are usually asymptomatic. However, larger ones can cause abdominal or pelvic pain.
• Pedunculated Fibroids: They grow outside (subserosal) or inside (submucosal) of the uterus. They show mild symptoms unless they are extremely large.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but it is believed that the hormones estrogen and progesterone play a major role. Most fibroids happen in women of reproductive age and tend to grow when hormone levels are higher, like during pregnancy, and shrink when hormone levels are low, like during the transition to menopause. However, to understand this better, here are a few common causes of fibroids:

• Hormonal Imbalance: Estrogen and progesterone stimulate the uterine lining to grow every month. High levels of these hormones over time can lead to the excessive growth of uterine muscle cells, thus resulting in either the development or enlargement of fibroids.

• Obesity and High BMI: Body Mass Index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on both height and weight. Women with a higher BMI usually produce more estrogen than normal from their fat tissue. This excess amount can stimulate the growth of fibroids over time.
• Family History of Fibroids: If your mother, sister, or close female relative has had fibroids, your risk of developing them is significantly higher. This may be due to inherited traits affecting the sensitivity of your hormones or the uterine tissue response.

• Early Menstruation Onset: Starting periods at a younger age means more menstrual cycles over time. This increases the overall exposure of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, thus causing the uterus to be stimulated more frequently.

• Late Menopause: The longer you menstruate, the longer your uterus is exposed to reproductive hormones. This prolonged exposure can lead to the development or enlargement of already existing fibroids.

Also Read: Can Ovarian Cyst be Normal?

What are Ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts, fluid-filled sacs or pouches, can develop either inside or on top of an ovary. They are usually found during the menstrual cycle and go away gradually. While some ovarian cysts may develop into complex, painful, or large ones, most are benign and disappear on their own. 

Ovarian cysts are of 4 types:

• Functional Cysts: They develop on the ovary during the menstrual cycle, either when a follicle fails to release an egg or when the corpus luteum fills with fluid. They’re often asymptomatic and resolve within 1–2 cycles, though larger ones may cause pelvic pain. 

• Dermoid Cysts: These arise from germ cells and can contain tissues like hair, skin, or teeth. They are typically benign and slow-growing, but large cysts may cause pain or ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary).

• Endometriomas: Occur when the uterine lining tissue grows within the ovary, forming blood-filled cysts. These often cause pelvic pain, painful periods, discomfort during intercourse, and may also impact fertility. 

• Cystadenomas: They originate from cells on the ovarian surface and contain watery or mucus-like fluid. They can grow as large as a watermelon and may cause a sense of pelvic fullness or a swollen belly. 

What Causes Ovarian Cysts?

Ovulation is the most common cause of ovarian cysts. However, apart from the failure of the follicle to release an egg, there are many other causes of ovarian cysts, such as:

• Abnormal reproduction of cells
• Endometriosis 
• Pelvic Inflammatory Disease(PCID) 
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome(PCOS)

So, now that we’ve discussed the basic structural and causing differences between fibroid and ovarian cyst, it’s time we share the differences based on their symptoms, as these act as the first indicators of these two conditions.

Fibroid vs cyst symptoms

It’s often difficult to distinguish between uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts, as both have overlapping symptoms. However, recognizing the specific signs your body shows can help guide you in the right direction. Here’s how:

Once you notice more than one of these symptoms at the same time, it’s better to reach out to a gynaecologist immediately. They will then schedule a pelvic ultrasound to assess the size and number of the fibroid or cyst. 

Fibroid Vs Cyst Ultrasound Findings

Many women have a common question: Can a cyst be mistaken for a fibroid? So, yes, a cyst can sometimes take the shape of a fibroid on an ultrasound. Both can appear as round lumps in or around the uterus or ovaries. But the main difference is that fibroids are composed of solid tissue, while cysts are usually filled with fluid. So, a detailed scan helps your doctor tell them apart clearly. Here’s what your pelvic ultrasound will show based on whether you have a fibroid or a cyst:

Treatment of Fibroids vs Cyst 

Treatment depends on the size, type, and symptoms of the fibroid or the cyst. If the growth is large, it may need to be removed; otherwise, it can often be managed with medication or observation as follows:

• Fibroid Treatment

Managed through hormonal medications and other non-invasive procedures, or surgically via myomectomy (removal of the fibroid, keeping the uterus intact) or hysterectomy (removal of the entire uterus), depending on size and symptoms.

• Ovarian Cyst Treatment

Often monitored, as many resolve on their own. However, larger or painful cysts may need hormonal pills or surgical removal, such as laparoscopic cystectomy (the removal of the cyst by making small incisions on the abdomen).

Manage Fibroids and Ovarian Cysts with the Right Advice!

At first, it may be overwhelming if you have been diagnosed with a fibroid or cyst. However, both of these can be easily removed either through surgery or medication. You only need to keep track of the symptoms that you have been facing to share with your gynaecologist. After your surgery, you will only require about a month or two of rest to get back to performing your daily activities. Moreover, if you’re looking to get help, you can also reach out to Apollo Spectra. Here, you can be assured of timely diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.