One of the most common tumours found in the reproductive tract, fibroids, are made up of abnormal muscle cells. These cells come together and form a fibrous mass within the uterus. In this article, we will discuss about cysts, how are cysts different from tumours and why fibroids are tumours and not cysts.
What is a cyst?
A cyst is a closed, sac-like pocket of tissue that can form anywhere in the body, including bones, soft tissue and organs. The cyst can be filled up with liquid, or semisolid material, such as fluid, air, pus, or other material. In most cases, the cysts are not cancerous (benign in nature). A cyst can be accompanied by a wide range of symptoms, depending on its type and location.
What is the difference between a cyst and tumour?
Tumors and cysts are completely different from each other. Tumours and cysts are two types of abnormal growths that can happen anywhere in the body. Even though they look similar, they have very distinct causes, treatments, and risk factors.
The major difference between a cyst and tumour is that a tumor is a mass of abnormal cells, whereas a cyst is a growth that’s filled with fluid, air, or other bodily substances. Other than this, a cyst may be a discharge along with it, while a tumour is not accompanied by discharge. Lastly, cysts can be mobile under the skin, while tumours are generally immobile.
Why is a fibroid considered to be a tumour and not a cyst?
Fibroids are the most common tumours of the reproductive tract which develop in the uterus. To be considered to be a cyst, it needs to be filled with liquid, semisolid, or other substances, such as fluid, air, or other substances. However, a fibroid is made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. They are almost always noncancerous or benign, and cancerous fibroids are rare. Their size can vary from person to person and in one person if more than one fibroid is present.
Fibroids are most commonly misinterpreted with ovarian cysts. However, ovarian cysts are the fluid-filled sac present in the ovaries, while uterine fibroids are the tumors restricted to the uterus.
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