What's the difference between a cyst & a tumor?

[Lyn2007]

I was told that I have a cyst on my right ovary and my OBGYN plans to remove my right ovary. I'm 36 years old and no biological children. I go on Tuesday for a colposcopy to look at precancerous cells on my cervix. I've already had the transvaginal ultrasound and that's where they noticed the cyst. But I've been reading and trying to do research since my Dr. was so vague on everything, and I don't understand the difference between a cyst and a tumor, are they synonymous? And is my normal OBGYN not the doctor that should do the operation? Should I have an oncologist gynocologist do this or does it matter? Any help/advice/comments would be appreciated. Thanks!

[sweetpea221]

In my experience when they do a ultrasound they usually tell you if it's a simple cyst, a complex cyst, or a solid tumor. Generally I believe a cyst means liquid filled but if your doctor doesn't seem like he knows what he is doing I would definately get a second opinion. I wish the doctors would just read what the actual report says. The ultrasound report should tell you exactly what it looks like, maybe you should get a copy. Generally I don't advise people to try to interpret their own reports, that can be a bad idea since most of us don't know what all the words mean, but it is very frustrating when the doctor doesn't tell you everything that is on it.

[TAN777]

When my OBGYN found cysts on both ovaries, through the vaginal ultrasound, the first thing he did was refer me to a Oncologist/gyn, that scared me the most, why would he send me to a "cancer" doctor?  But I guess they can't tell if the cysts/fibroid mass is cancerous or not, and when they do the surgery the oncologist is doing it, just in case it is cancerous.  My doctor was originally vague, and sometimes I wonder if he really knows what he is doing or is just guessing, but now I ask alot of questions, but still don't have all the answers I have to go have more tests in December.  Good luck and at least I would get a second opinion before doing any surgery.

[rmarie]

According to Wikipedia a "cyst is a closed sac having a distinct membrane and division on the nearby tissue. They may contain air, fluids, or semi-solid material."  A tumor is defined as "an abnormal growth or mass" it would appear different on ultrasound.  Having pre cancerous cells, I don't know much about cervix and precancerous cells, however my friend was referred to a Gyn/Onc because of abnormal pap smears, she went for consultation.  You may want to consider that.  Good luck