Both uterine polyps and fibroids are uterine growths and can be tricky. Due to their asymptomatic nature, they are hardly noticed, and it isn’t until one faces issues with the menstrual cycle or hardship in getting pregnant that either of the ones gets diagnosed. But what is the fundamental difference between fibroids and polyps?
Polyps are the endometrial (inner lining of the uterus) outgrowths, while fibroids are the dense connective fibrous tissue arising from the smooth muscle of the uterus.
Although both can cause irregular periods, heavy periods, or fertility issues, uterine fibroids do not cause cancer risk. At the same time, polyps may become more dangerous, as they can turn out to be cancerous if not treated at the correct time. Knowing the difference between polyps and fibroids prevents future problems related to health.
Read on to find out more about the difference between fibroids and polyps, their symptoms, diagnosis, complications, and treatments.
Fibroids are benign tumors that arise from the uterus muscle within the uterine wall extending into the uterine cavity. People get stressed out when diagnosed with fibroids, but they need not worry, as fibroids are a non-cancerous outgrowth. Although the causes of uterine fibroids are not known, they can grow in response to the hormone called estrogen. It continues to grow throughout the reproductive years of a woman with the average circulation of estrogen levels. It is estimated that one in every five women of childbearing age may have uterine fibroids. They are primarily seen in women aged over 30.
Fibroids can be treated with surgeries or fade away without surgery. However, it may cause discomforts like excessive bleeding, fertility issues, weight gain, uterine issues, painful sex, anemia, depression, and anxiety. So, it's better to have a check-up and proceed further with the doctor's advice.
If a woman suspects to have either of the conditions described above, it is best to talk with a physician and seek guidance from a specialist. It can help accurately diagnose fibroids or uterine polyps and plan better treatment.
Uterine polyps are usually different from fibroids. Polyps are the overgrowth of cells produced in the uterus lining that does not shed during menstruation, contrasting to its usual nature of flushing out with the blood flow.
Although the polyps are considered non-cancerous, they still run a small risk of becoming malignant if not treated properly. Polyps can occur in women of any age group. However, 40-49 years is the most common range. One or several polyps might be found in the body of a woman. It is vital to be evaluated by a fertility doctor if you feel discomfort.
The cause of endometrial polyps is not clearly understood, but it might be developed from the overgrowth of the endometrium or other medications. Like fibroids, this can also be caused due to the abnormal response to an increase in the estrogen level.
It is highly recommended to have a health check-up once you experience these symptoms. The more you know the reason, the better you can work towards keeping yourself healthy.
As uterine fibroids and endometrial polyps have significantly similar symptoms and occur simultaneously, it's essential to have a full health check from an expert doctor who knows the difference between the two. It is because polyps can lead to serious health issues like:
If you think you may have uterine polyps or fibroids, make sure you seek professional help as soon as you can.
Several diagnosis methods can be incorporated to understand whether the symptoms in your body are caused by a polyp or a fibroid. Hence further treatment can be done by the diagnosed outgrowth.
As stated above, fibroids are more accessible to treat non surgically than polyps. Let's look at different methods used to treat polyps and fibroids.
Surgeries are not usually required to treat fibroids, and several non-surgical techniques can easily remove fibroids. Some of them are listed below:
Small polyps can be resolved soon without any surgery. However, if the polyps have a cancer risk, it is best to have a surgical treatment.
For a check-up of the uterus, book an appointment with Georgia Vascular Institute(GVI). Contact us to schedule an appointment or fill out the contact form.
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