The Principal Differences Between Fibroid Uterus And Uterine Cysts/ Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are sac-like growths or structures within an ovary. These sacs are full of fluid. In general, the term cyst refers to a fluid-filled structure. And thus, all ovarian cysts, by definition, contain at least some fluid.

A cyst is a fluid-filled sac, that may be located practically any place in our bodies. On or within the ovaries, different types of cysts may form. The most repeated, most usual sort of ovarian cysts will be of the kind called "functional cysts". Functional cysts generally form in the normal monthly menstrual cycle.

On a monthly basis, the natural cycle is always 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 may then go down the fallopian tube towards the uterus for fertilization.

After opening to release the egg, the sac then dissolves. In the case with one form of functional cyst, named a "follicular cyst", the cyst sac will not rupture and launch the egg. Then it could just keep on growing. Follicular cysts typically go away by themselves within 1 to 3 months.

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

Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomata or myomas, are benign (noncancerous) tumors relatinging to the muscular wall of the uterus. They are probably the most frequent tumor of the female genital tract. One out of every three women older than 35 will probably be afflicted with them.

Fibroids are categorized according to their location within the uterine wall. Submucous (or submucosal) fibroids appear just below the endometrial lining of the uterine cavity. Intramural fibroids occur inside of the muscular wall. Subserosal fibroids appear under the exterior covering of the uterus. As fibroids grow, 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 always that cysts are full of fluid and fibroids aren't. Fibroids are more or less solid, as being a fibrous mass.

Also, you will find positional or locational differences here. Ovarian cysts are cysts on or near the ovaries. Uterine cysts are cysts found on, within or near the uterus. Uterine fibroids are fibroids situated on or close to the uterus. Thankfully, it is very rare and unusual for any of these to be cancerous.