First, what is the difference between a cyst and a fibroid?
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac. Cysts found in the pelvis usually originate in the ovary, but may also develop within the fallopian tube. A fibroid is a solid smooth muscle growth that develops in the walls of the uterus. Fibroids tend to grow in the later reproductive years and indeed are found in at least one-third of women over the age of 35. They are more common in women whose mothers or sisters have a history of fibroids, and in African American women. They can either grow into the wall of the uterus (intramural), project from the outer surface of the uterus (subserosal), or grow into the endometrial cavity (submusosal). Most women with fibroids have no symptoms. These benign tumors are often found during routine pelvic exam or ultrasound. They constitute a problem only if they become large (causing pressure on the bladder and rectum, and-or protruding abdominally) or cause excessive bleeding or pelvic pain. It may be difficult to differentiate a fibroid from an ovarian cyst or mass
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac. Cysts found in the pelvis usually originate in the ovary, but may also develop within the fallopian tube. A fibroid is a solid smooth muscle growth that develops in the walls of the uterus. Fibroids tend to grow in the later reproductive years and indeed are found in at least one-third of women over the age of 35. They are more common in women whose mothers or sisters have a history of fibroids, and in African American women. They can either grow into the wall of the uterus (intramural), project from the outer surface of the uterus (subserosal), or grow into the endometrial cavity (submusosal). Most women with fibroids have no symptoms. These benign tumors are often found during routine pelvic exam or ultrasound. They constitute a problem only if they become large (causing pressure on the bladder and rectum, and-or protruding abdominally) or cause excessive bleeding or pelvic pain. It may be difficult to differentiate a fibroid from an ovarian cyst or mass
