Fibroids (uterine myomas, leiomyomas, fibromas) are uterine tumors that vary in size and are made up of compact connective tissue and smooth muscle. Fibroids are extremely common. An estimated 20% to 50% of women of reproductive age have uterine fibroids, and an estimated 30% to 77% of women develop these fibroids during their childbearing years. 99% of uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous), and uterine fibroids do not increase the risk of uterine cancer.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop in the ovary, typically during ovulation, when the egg is being released from the follicle. Like uterine fibroids, the majority of ovarian cysts are benign (noncancerous). However, post-menopausal women with ovarian cysts have a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer. According to womenshealth.gov, most women make at least one ovarian cyst every month. Most cysts do not cause symptoms and therefore do not require treatment. Womenshealth.gov also reports that only about 8% of premenopausal women develop large cysts that require treatment.
