Fibroids and Ovarian Cysts? Know the Differences Between the Two!

To avoid mistakes in handling, Ladies need to know that fibroids and ovarian cysts are two different problems. Fibroids and ovarian cysts are two abnormalities that are often found in the female reproductive organs. Many consider these two disorders to be the same because they both form lumps. This disease tends to have almost the exact shape, so it is difficult to tell the difference, which in turn causes many women to find out that they have this disease after they undergo routine obstetric examinations. The difference between a fibroid and a cyst can be seen in shape, symptoms, location, and size.

Explanation of Fibroid or Mioma 
Myoma is a benign tumor located in the wall of the uterus (uterus), which can grow to be large so that the sufferer feels pain and experiences heavy bleeding during menstruation. Symptoms that myoma sufferers commonly feel are generally bleeding from the vagina, abdominal cramps, pelvic pain during menstruation, and more frequent urination.

Explanation of Cysts
Ovarian cysts are lumps filled with fluid located inside or on the surface of the ovaries. Hormonal problems, endometriosis, pregnancy, and severe pelvic pain infections can cause cysts. However, the leading cause of cyst growth is a blockage that causes fluid or air buildup. Cysts do not have symptoms that can be felt immediately, but their growth tends to grow faster. However, if the ovarian cyst has enlarged, the symptoms are almost similar to myomas, such as bleeding or pain.

The difference between fibroids and cysts

Growth Locations
Fibroids grow in the uterus and are classified as benign tumors that contain uterine wall muscle cells that can develop inside or outside the uterine wall. Meanwhile, ovarian cysts are tissue growths shaped like a bag filled with fluid inside the ovary.

Age of Birth
Fibroids often occur when women are in their 40s to early 50s. Meanwhile, ovarian cysts are more common in women in their 20s to 40s.

Abnormalities
Myoma is classified as a benign tumor that rarely becomes cancerous. Meanwhile, ovarian cysts are not classified as tumors. Sometimes cysts can develop into cancer if women with ovarian cysts go through menopause.

Size
Fibroids come in various sizes, from about the size of an apple seed to the size of a grapefruit. Mioma can grow and enlarge faster during pregnancy and can shrink during menopause.

Meanwhile, the size of an ovarian cyst is less than 1 cm to more than 10 cm. In premenopausal women, the growth rate of cysts can slow down, which is about 1 mm per year.

Even though myoma and ovarian cysts are included in the benign category, these two diseases still have their own dangers, so they will interfere with organ performance properly and can cause symptoms such as bleeding and pain to the point where it is difficult to have children. So, if you already have suspicions of myoma or ovarian cysts, immediately consult to treat them. Because if detected early, it will be easier to handle them, reducing the risk of experiencing severe symptoms.

Sources:
RSU Bunda Jakarta. (2021) Ini Perbedaan Miom dan Kista [Online] https://bunda.co.id/artikel/kesehatan/reproduksi/ini-perbedaan-miom-dan-kista/ 
Healthline.(2020) Fibroids [Online] https://www.healthline.com/health/uterine-fibroids
Healthline. (2015). Ovarian Cysts [Online] https://www.healthline.com/health/ovarian-cysts