Polyps vs. Fibroids

Main Difference

The main difference between the polyps and fibroids is that polyps are abnormal soft tissues outgrowths developed inside the uterus on the other side fibroids are unusual tumors that found in the female reproductive systems.

Difference Between Polyps and Fibroids

Comparison Chart

Polyps vs. Fibroids

Polyps are the outgrowths of the endometrial tissues lining the uterus whereas fibroids are the growth of muscle tissues and fibrous tissues. Polyps are usually very small; no bigger than a couple of centimeters in diameter on the other hand fibroids can vary in size from minuscule to extremely large. Polyps can regress while fibroids do not regress. Polyps may finally decrease and even completely disappear while uterine fibroids can shrink with treatment like UFE or after menopause. Polyps are usually small in size whereas fibroids in the absence of treatment can reach the size of a large ball. Polyps can take place in younger and post-menopausal women on the other side fibroids often affect women between 35-45 years old. Polyps usually arise from the different parts of the uterus like endometrium while fibroids arise from the myometrium. Uterine polyps are always round and oval in shape whereas uterine fibroids are round in shape. Polyps are noncancerous, but some polyps can become malignant and cancerous on the other hand fibroids are mostly benign.

What are Polyps?

Uterine polyps are mostly defined as abnormal soft tissue outgrowths that developed inside the uterus. They can trigger the uterine bleeding and can cause infertility. Polyps are subject to bleeding and a uterine polyp that grows close to the fallopian tubes even they prevent the women from becoming pregnant. One individual can have one or many polyps. Polyps are noncancerous, but some polyps can become malignant and cancerous. Uterine polyps are small, they can be as small as a seed (few millimeters) and can be as large as a golf size ball (several centimeters) in size. They are attached to the uterine wall using a broad base or by a small stalk. Polyps can be seen in the women uterus, but sometimes they slip down to the cervix and reach to the vagina. Polyps are seen in women who are undergoing or may reach menopause. They can also cause heavy periods.

Symptoms

• Bleeding between menstrual periods.
• Bleeding from vagina post menopause.
• Excessive bleeding after sexual intercourse.
• Irregular periods.
• Bleeding after strenuous exercises.
• Frequent bleeding.

Diagnosis

• Transvaginal ultrasound.
• Endometrial biopsy.
• Dilation and curettage.
• Hysteroscopy

What are Fibroids?

Fibroids are abnormal tumors that are seen in the female reproductive system. They are also known as myomas, leiomyomas, and fibromas. They are mostly composed of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissues present in the uterus. Fibroids are made of the same soft muscle fibers as the myometrium. They are quite denser than the standard uterine wall. These type of fibroids usually do not cause pain, but if they are too large, then they exert too much pressure on the other organs and on the urinary bladder that can cause complications. These fibroids tumors are frequent and develop in about 70 percent to 80 percent of all women by the time as they reach the age of 50.

Symptoms

• Prolonged menstrual bleeding.
• Constipation.
• Frequent urination.
• Pelvic pain.
• Rectal pain.
• Lump in the abdomen.

Diagnosis

• Hyster sonography.
• Hyster sonography
• Blood test.
• Magnetic resonance imaging.
• Hysterosalpingography

Conclusion

Conclusion of this article is that polyps can form outgrowths of the endometrium layers of the uterine wall that may be cancerous or noncancerous on the other side fibroids are outgrowths of the myometrium layer of the uterine wall that may cause benign tumors.