The difference between uterine fibroids and ovarian tumors

Uterine fibroids and ovarian tumors are both common diseases of the female reproductive system. Sometimes, patients have unclear medical history or atypical physical signs, which makes differential diagnosis difficult. The differences between the two are as follows:

1. Differences in clinical manifestations

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the female genitalia. Patients generally have no obvious symptoms. If there are symptoms, they are mostly manifested as abnormal menstruation, lower abdominal masses, compression symptoms, etc. Ovarian tumors are a general term for ovarian swelling, enlargement, and neoplasms. Patients generally have no menstrual changes. The two can generally be distinguished by B-ultrasound. When it is difficult to distinguish, laparoscopy can be used to make a clear diagnosis.

2. Comparison of different types of uterine fibroids and ovarian tumors

Uterine fibroids and ovarian cysts: The two have different hardness, ovarian cysts are cystic while uterine fibroids are solid. Uterine fibroids are closely related to the uterus and cannot be separated from it. When the cervix moves, it moves with it, so they are not easy to be confused.

Subserosal uterine fibroids and solid ovarian tumors: The differential diagnosis is difficult, especially for pedunculated subserosal fibroids. Both are solid tumors and require B-ultrasound examination. At the same time, fibroids are more common in middle-aged women with irregular menstruation, while ovarian cancer is more common in elderly women. If the patient is a postmenopausal woman, ovarian malignant tumors should be considered first.

Giant uterine fibroids within the broad ligament and solid ovarian tumors: The former feels like a solid mass and is located on one side of the uterus. It is sometimes easily misdiagnosed as a solid ovarian tumor. When a solid ovarian tumor is non-malignant, it generally has good mobility, while broad ligament uterine fibroids have limited mobility and can be diagnosed with the help of relevant examinations.