$Unique_ID{BRK00843}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{What is the Difference Between a "Myomectomy" and a "Hysterectomy"?}
$Subject{hysterectomy fibroma surgery}
$Volume{J-14}
$Log{
Diseases of the Female Organs*0009001.scf
Hysterectomy*0008601.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is the Difference Between a "Myomectomy" and a "Hysterectomy"?


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QUESTION:  It is probably only a difference in terminology and are really the
same thing, but I need to know the difference between a "myomectomy" and a
"hysterectomy".  My medical dictionary didn't make it clear enough.  Please
help.

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ANSWER:  No they are not the same thing at all, although both are surgical
operations, both deal with the same organ, the uterus, and both terms
frequently occur in the same discussion.  A hysterectomy refers to the
surgical removal of the uterus (the word "hystera" in Greek means uterus).
Frequently, the uterus forms benign tumors of muscle and fibrous tissue, in a
condition commonly referred to as "fibroids" or "a fibroid uterus".  These
tumors are called "myomas" since "mys" in Greek means muscle.  When a patient
suffers from this condition, the surgeon has two choices.  If the tumors are
small, but creating problems such as cramps and bleeding, only the tumor need
be removed (hence myomectomy).  But when the tumors are large, and are
continuing to grow and cause suffering and pain, and particularly when the
patient no longer wishes to bear children, a hysterectomy may be performed to
solve the problem.  A well informed patient may have a choice in the decision,
provided these terms are not "Greek" to her.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
