Fibroids

Non-cancerous tumours made of muscle cells and tissues that grow in and around the wall of the uterus or womb.

An encapsulated tumor made up of disorganized and irregular connective tissue. Also called a leiomyoma or fibromyoma (or myofibroma, for that matter). A uterine fibroid is benign, there may be one or many, they grow slowly, have unknown causes, and may or may not cause painful menses or mid-cycle bleeding. Much depends on where they are in the uterus and whether or not they extend far enough into the cavity to impair and thin out the endometrium (if they do, they cause distress).

A benign tumor of fibrous and muscular tissue, one or more of which may develop in the muscular wall of the womb. Fibroids often cause pain and excessive menstrual bleeding and they may become extremely large. They do not threaten life, but render pregnancy unlikely. It is usually women over 30 years of age who are affected. Fibroids can be removed surgically; in some cases removal of the womb (hysterectomy) may be necessary. If, as frequently happens, discomfort and other symptoms are absent, surgery is not required.

Also known as leiomyomata, fibroids are benign tumours of the muscle layers of the uterus. They are the most common tumours of the female genital tract; at least 25 per cent of women will develop a fibroid, usually between 30-50 years old. Fibroids are more common with increasing age, in African and Afro-Caribbean women, and in women who postpone childbearing. The exact cause is unknown. Fibroids are categorised according to their location: intramural fibroids are the most common and occur in the wall of the uterus; subserosal fibroids protrude outside of the uterus and can be very large; submucosal fibroids are the least common and occur in the inner muscle lining the uterus.

A benign smooth-muscle tumor, usually in the uterus or gastrointestinal tract.

A noncancerous growth, ranging in size from a pea to a large grapefruit, that occurs in about 20 percent of all women older than thirty-five.

A fibroid is a benign tumor that grows slowly and is typically located within the uterine wall. It consists of smooth muscle and connective tissue. These fibroids can occur as singular growths or in multiple numbers and vary in size, ranging from as tiny as a pea to as large as a grapefruit. They are quite common, particularly among women aged 35 to 45.

Fibroids are believed to result from an abnormal reaction to estrogen hormones. Oral contraceptives containing estrogen and pregnancy can both lead to fibroid enlargement. However, after menopause, when estrogen production decreases, fibroids typically tend to shrink.

In numerous instances, fibroids may not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, if a fibroid grows larger and protrudes into the uterine cavity, it can lead to heavy or prolonged menstrual periods. A sizable fibroid might exert pressure on the bladder, leading to frequent urination, or on the bowel, causing backache or constipation. Fibroids that alter the shape of the uterine cavity could be a contributing factor to recurrent miscarriage or infertility. In rare cases, a fibroid may become twisted, causing sudden pain in the lower abdomen.

Fibroids that are asymptomatic are often detected during a routine pelvic examination. The diagnosis can be confirmed through ultrasound scanning.

Small fibroids that do not cause any symptoms usually do not require treatment, but regular examinations may be necessary to monitor their growth. However, if fibroids are causing significant symptoms, surgery or microwave endometrial ablation (MEA) may be necessary. In some cases, they can be removed using a hysteroscope, a tube-like instrument with surgical attachments, under general anesthesia, while preserving the uterus. Removal of fibroids often restores fertility. Nevertheless, in certain situations, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be necessary.