What are Myomas and Cysts?

Myomas and ovarian cysts are two common conditions, and most women experience one of them at some point in their lives. However, they are often confused with each other, but they are actually very different.

Also known as fibroids or leiomyomas, myomas are nodular growths that arise from a buildup of cells in the myometrium, the wall of the uterus.

They are considered benign tumors with a high incidence (about 50%) in women over 40 with risk factors such as overweight and obesity, alcohol consumption, and a family history of myomas.

Myomas are classified according to their location:

• Intramural myomas: Located within the wall of the uterus.
• Submucosal myomas: Protrude into the inner part of the uterus.
• Subserosal myomas: Develop on the outside of the uterus. These are the ones that cause heavy bleeding.

Symptoms and treatment vary depending on the type of myoma, but they are not usually serious or cause intense symptoms.

An ovarian cyst, on the other hand, is a fluid-filled, sac-like structure. It generally does not cause symptoms and does not require any treatment.

There are different types of cysts, with the most common being:

• Follicular cysts: Follicles are small sacs that store eggs. When they develop but do not release an egg, they turn into cysts that are not risky and do not require treatment.
• Corpus luteum cysts: When the follicle breaks open and releases the egg, the broken follicular structure is called the corpus luteum, which can cause bleeding.
• Dermoid cysts: These are benign tumors that are not related to menstruation, unlike the previous two types.

Uterine myomas often do not cause symptoms, but when they do, they can include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, or pelvic pressure. It’s also possible to experience frequent urination due to pressure on the bladder and, in more severe cases, pain during sexual intercourse or difficulty becoming pregnant. The type and intensity of symptoms vary depending on the size, location, and number of myomas.

Ovarian cysts, on the other hand, usually disappear on their own and do not cause symptoms. However, if they grow or rupture, they can cause sharp or intermittent pelvic pain, as well as a feeling of heaviness in the abdomen, changes in the menstrual cycle, and pain during or after sexual intercourse. If ovarian torsion develops, it can cause sudden, intense pain that requires immediate medical attention.

Although both conditions can cause similar discomfort, their nature and origin are different. Myomas form in the uterus and are related to muscle tissue, while cysts appear in the ovaries and are more likely to be functional structures or a result of the ovulation process.

Treatment for uterine myomas depends on the size, location, number of tumors, severity of symptoms, and whether the patient wishes to preserve their fertility. In cases of mild or no symptoms, intervention is not always required, and only periodic medical monitoring is performed. But if the symptoms are bothersome, hormonal medications can be used to reduce bleeding or the size of the myomas. When medical treatments are not effective or in cases where the myomas are very large, options include procedures such as a myomectomy, which is the removal of the myomas while preserving the uterus, uterine artery embolization, or, in extreme cases, a hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus.

As for ovarian cysts, most are functional and disappear over time. But if the cyst persists, causes pain, or has suspicious characteristics, the doctor may recommend ultrasound monitoring or the use of hormonal medications to prevent new cysts from forming. When a cyst is painful, large, or does not disappear on its own, or if there is a suspicion of malignancy, a surgery such as an ovarian cystectomy to remove the cyst while preserving the ovary, or the removal of the affected ovary, may be performed.

At the Women’s Center at ABC Medical Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!