Fibroid
Fibroids are benign structures that can be seen in many women of reproductive age and that arise from the muscle layer of the uterus. Although rarely, fibroids can be malignant. Cysts, on the other hand, are tumours that can be benign or malignant and arise from the ovaries. A cyst and a fibroid are not the same thing. Their formation, their structure and their location are completely different.
What is a fibroid?
The formations called fibroids appear in the uterus. They are a type of benign tumour arising from the muscle layer of the uterus. These formations, which are generally benign, can rarely turn into malignant tumours, that is, sarcomas. Fibroids are named according to where they are located. Those that form in the inner layer of the uterus are called submucosal fibroids; those that form in the muscle layer of the uterus, intramural fibroids; and those located in the outer layer of the uterus, subserosal fibroids.
Fibroid treatment
In the assessment, the diameter of the fibroid, its location, whether it is exerting pressure and the patient’s complaints should be assessed one by one. Because fibroids can cause complaints such as heavy and painful menstrual bleeding, bleeding outside the menstrual period, urinary incontinence, anaemia and pregnancies ending in miscarriage, they need to be treated. These fibroids should be removed with surgical procedures. Because the probability of a fibroid growing is much higher in younger women who are not close to the menopause, it is recommended that treatment is not delayed.
Does every fibroid definitely have to be operated on?
In fibroid treatment, especially if the patient has no complaint and its appearance is normal, it can be closely followed up without any treatment being carried out. But following the patient up is very important in this situation. If it is left to itself and the patient does not go for doctor’s check-ups, it will not be a surprise to come across very unpleasant surprises. Therefore fibroids must certainly be assessed at certain intervals. In situations where the fibroid is not growing and the person is about to enter the menopause, if the fibroid has no effect on quality of life, it is enough simply to have regular check-ups.
Ovarian cysts
What are ovarian cysts?
Cysts are structures arising from the ovaries that can be benign or malignant. They can be seen at any age, from young girls to women in the menopause. The probability of being benign or malignant varies according to the patient’s age. Because the size of cysts, their structure (fleshy structures inside them may show that they are malignant) and their growth or change in shape over time are very important, they need to be under close medical follow-up. Cysts may not always cause complaints, which is why it is very important that women have their routine check-ups.
How is it understood whether cysts are benign or malignant?
Whether cysts are benign or malignant emerges as a result of a detailed examination by a specialist in obstetrics and gynaecology and assessment with ultrasound. If it is considered necessary, tumour markers (in the blood, certain biochemical substances rise in some tumours. They are often used for follow-up). Having a magnetic resonance scan can be guiding, but it is not requested routinely.
Do cysts always cause complaints?
Cysts do not always give rise to a complaint. Therefore, because they do not always give rise to a complaint, women of every age need to have their check-ups regularly.
Cyst treatment
Women who have a cyst can be followed up closely according to the patient’s age, the structure or the size of the cysts, and can also be treated with medication or surgically. For simple small cysts it is enough merely to follow them up. Cysts that are very large, cysts whose structure is abnormal or cysts that cause complaints in the clinic should be removed with an operation.
Are these operations performed open or closed?
In the surgical treatment of cysts, both laparoscopy and, in selected cases, robotic surgery are frequently used. In a very small number of cases open surgery is used. All the advantages of closed surgery, such as less blood loss, less pain and fewer adhesions after the operation, are also valid in the surgical treatment of cysts.
What is the danger of cysts being left (of their being treated)?
Cysts can grow, tear and burst, sometimes causing bleeding into the abdomen or sometimes causing severe abdominal pain by twisting the ovary around itself, and they then need to be operated on urgently.