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If you’ve recently had an ultrasound and your doctor mentioned a lump in your uterus, it’s natural to feel worried. However, not all uterine lumps are the same. The most common possibilities are uterine fibroids and adenomyosis, and the treatment approach for each is very different.
That’s why it’s extremely important to discuss with your doctor whether the lump is a fibroid or adenomyosis, as this directly impacts whether you may need surgery or can be managed with medicines.
I’m Dr. Amita shah, Senior Consultant Gynecologist and Laparoscopic Surgeon practicing in Gurgaon, and in this blog, I’ll help you understand the key differences between fibroids and adenomyosis, their symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.
A fibroid is a non-cancerous lump that develops from the muscular layer of the uterus, known as the myometrium. Fibroids can be single or multiple, and their location determines their type:
Fibroids usually form a well-defined, solid cluster, which makes them easier to identify on ultrasound.
Adenomyosis occurs when the inner lining of the uterus (endometrium) starts growing into the muscular wall (myometrium).
Every month during menstruation, these endometrial cells bleed. However, since the bleeding happens within the muscle wall, the blood gets trapped and cannot drain normally. Over time, this causes pain, inflammation, and thickening of the uterus.
The symptoms of both conditions can appear very similar, which often leads to confusion:
Severe, cramp-like pain during periods is more prominent in adenomyosis.
A good-quality ultrasound is usually sufficient to differentiate between the two:
Accurate diagnosis is crucial because it determines the treatment plan.
If a fibroid is:
Surgery is usually required to remove the fibroid.
If adenomyosis is diagnosed early, it can often be treated without surgery.
Common medical treatments include:
These treatments help by:
In nearly 70–80% of cases, adenomyosis can be effectively managed with medicines alone.
If you’ve been told that there is a lump or cluster in your uterus, don’t panic but do ask the right question:
The correct diagnosis can help you avoid unnecessary surgery and choose the most effective treatment.
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