As a medical interpreter, I’ve encountered some gynecologic terms that can sound similar but refer to very different conditions. Misunderstanding them can create confusion during patient encounters, especially when communicating across languages.
In this post, I’d like to share what I’ve learned from my professional experience — to help both my peers and patients better understand four commonly confused gynecologic conditions in both English and Chinese.
1. Fibroid – 子宫肌瘤
A fibroid is a noncancerous muscle tumor that grows in or on the uterus. They are very common in women, especially after age 30.
Symptoms:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Frequent urination
📌 Fibroids are not made of endometrial tissue, unlike adenomyosis or endometriosis.
2. Adenomyosis – 子宫腺肌症
Adenomyosis occurs when endometrial tissue grows into the muscle wall of the uterus. This can cause the uterus to enlarge and become painful.
Symptoms:
- Painful, heavy periods
- Cramping
- Enlarged uterus
📌 Adenomyosis affects the uterine wall only.
3. Endometriosis – 子宫内膜异位症
Endometriosis happens when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus—commonly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, or intestines.
Symptoms:
- Chronic pelvic pain
- Pain during sex or bowel movements
- Possible infertility
📌 This condition can lead to scarring, inflammation, and fertility problems.
4. Ovarian Endometrioma / Chocolate Cyst
卵巢子宫内膜异位囊肿 / 巧克力囊肿
A chocolate cyst is a type of ovarian cyst caused by endometriosis. It contains dark, old blood, giving it a chocolate-like appearance.
Symptoms:
- Painful menstruation
- Lower abdominal pain
- Fertility issues
📌 This is a specific form of endometriosis found in the ovary.
🔍 At a Glance: Quick Comparison Table
| Condition | 中文名称 | Location | Main Feature |
| Fibroid | 子宫肌瘤 | Uterine muscle | Benign muscle tumor |
| Adenomyosis | 子宫腺肌症 | Uterine wall | Endometrial tissue in muscle wall |
| Endometriosis | 子宫内膜异位症 | Outside uterus | Endometrial-like tissue on pelvic organs |
| Ovarian Endometrioma | 巧克力囊肿 | Inside ovary | Cyst filled with old blood caused by endometriosis |
🔗 Additional Resources
- Mayo Clinic: Fibroids
- NIH: Adenomyosis
- Mayo Clinic: Endometriosis
- Cleveland Clinic: Ovarian Endometrioma
🗣️ Interpretation Scenarios
Doctor:
“Your ultrasound shows a fibroid, which is a benign growth in the uterus muscle.”
Interpreter:
“您的B超显示是子宫肌瘤，这是一种良性肌肉肿瘤。”
Doctor:
“Unlike fibroids, adenomyosis means the uterine lining grows into the muscle wall, causing pain.”
Interpreter:
“和子宫肌瘤不同，子宫腺肌症是子宫内膜长进子宫肌肉层，导致疼痛。”
🤝 Why This Matters
Understanding the differences between these conditions allows interpreters to:
- Provide accurate, culturally sensitive explanations
- Help reduce patient anxiety
- Improve communication between patients and providers
For patients, knowing these terms in both English and Chinese can help them ask the right questions and understand their care better.
📌 Disclaimer
This post is for educational and language reference purposes only. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for medical concerns.
Yun Silver Lining 