Uterine fibroids are noncancerous (benign) tumors that develop in the uterus (womb), a female reproductive organ.
Alternative NamesLeiomyoma; Fibromyoma; Myoma; Fibroids
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsUterine fibroids are the most common pelvic tumor. As many as 1 in 5 women may have fibroids during their childbearing years (the time after starting menstruation for the first time and before menopause).
Fibroids usually affect women over age 30. They are rare in women under 20, and often shrink and cause no symptoms in women who have gone through menopause. They are more common in African Americans than Caucasians.
The cause of uterine fibroid tumors is unknown. However, fibroid growth seems to depend on the hormone estrogen. As long as a woman with fibroids is menstruating, a fibroid will probably continue to grow, usually slowly.
Fibroids can be so tiny that you need a microscope to see them. However, they can grow very large. They may fill the entire uterus, and may weigh several pounds. Although it is possible for just one fibroid to develop, usually there are more than one.
Fibroids are often described by their location in the uterus:
More common symptoms of uterine fibroids are:
Note: There are often no symptoms.
Signs and testsA pelvic examination may show an irregularly shaped, lumpy, or enlarged uterus. Frequently, this diagnosis is reliable. In some cases, it is difficult to diagnose fibroids, especially in obese women. Fibroid tumors have been mistaken for:
A transvaginal ultrasound or pelvic ultrasound may be done to confirm the diagnosis of fibroids. Sometimes, a pelvic MRI is used to confirm the diagnosis.
An endometrial biopsy (biopsy of the uterine lining) or laparoscopy may be needed to rule out cancer.
TreatmentTreatment depends on various factors, including:
Some women may just need pelvic exams or ultrasounds every once in a while to monitor the fibroid's growth.
Treatment for the symptoms of fibroids may include:
Hormonal therapy (gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists or Depo Leuprolide injections) may be used to help shrink the fibroids. This therapy is used only for a short period of time, either before surgery to remove a fibroid or when a woman is expected to reach menopause soon. Side effects include hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Surgery and procedures used to treat fibroids include:
National Uterine Fibroid Foundation - www.nuff.org
Expectations (prognosis)Some women with fibroids have no symptoms and may not need treatment.
During a pregnancy, existing fibroids may grow due to the increased blood flow and estrogen levels. The fibroids usually return to their original size after the baby is delivered.
ComplicationsFibroids may cause pregnancy complications, although the risk is thought to be small:
Other complications of fibroids include:
Call your health care provider if:
Katz VL. Benign gynecologic lesions: Vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, oviduct, ovary. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 18.
Viswanathan M, Hartmann K, et al. Management of uterine fibroids: an update of the evidence. Evid Rep Technol Assess. 2007;154:1-122.
Van Voorhis B. A 41-year-old woman with menorrhagia, anemia, and fibroids: review of treatment of uterine fibroids. JAMA. 2009;301:82-93.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG practice bulletin. Alternatives to hysterectomy in the management of leiomyomas. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;112:387-400.
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous (benign) tumors that develop in the womb (uterus), a female reproductive organ.
Alternative NamesLeiomyoma; Fibromyoma; Myoma; Fibroids
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsUterine fibroids are common. As many as 1 in 5 women may have fibroids during their childbearing years (the time after starting menstruation for the first time and before menopause). Half of all women have fibroids by age 50.
Fibroids are rare in women under age 20. They are more common in African-Americans than Caucasians.
The cause of uterine fibroids is unknown. However, their growth has been linked to the hormone estrogen. As long as a woman with fibroids is menstruating, a fibroid will probably continue to grow, usually slowly.
Fibroids can be so tiny that you need a microscope to see them. However, they can grow very large. They may fill the entire uterus, and may weigh several pounds. Although it is possible for just one fibroid to develop, usually there are more than one.
Fibroids are often described by their location in the uterus:
More common symptoms of uterine fibroids are:
Note: There are often no symptoms. Your health care provider may find them during a physical exam or other test. Fibroids often shrink and cause no symptoms in women who have gone through menopause.
Signs and testsThe health care provider will perform a pelvic exam. This may show that you have a change in the shape of your womb (uterus).
It can be difficult to diagnose fibroids, especially if you are extremely overweight.
An ultrasound may be done to confirm the diagnosis of fibroids. Sometimes, a pelvic MRI is done.
An endometrial biopsy (biopsy of the uterine lining) or laparoscopy may be needed to rule out cancer.
TreatmentTreatment depends on several things, including:
Some women may just need pelvic exams or ultrasounds every once in a while to monitor the fibroid's growth.
Treatment for the symptoms of fibroids may include:
Surgery and procedures used to treat fibroids include:
National Uterine Fibroid Foundation - www.nuff.org
Expectations (prognosis)Some women with fibroids have no symptoms and may not need treatment.
During a pregnancy, existing fibroids may grow due to the increased blood flow and estrogen levels. The fibroids usually return to their original size after the baby is delivered.
ComplicationsComplications of fibroids include:
In rare cases, fibroids may cause infertility. Fibroids may also cause complications if you become pregnant, although the risk is thought to be small:
Call your health care provider if you have:
Katz VL. Benign gynecologic lesions: Vulva, vagina, cervix, uterus, oviduct, ovary. In: Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM, eds. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007:chap 18.
Rodriguez MI, Warden M, Darney PD. Intrauterine progestins, progesterone antagonists, and receptor modulators: a review of gynecologic applications. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2010 May;202(5):420-8. Epub 2009 Dec 23. Review.
Moss J, Cooper K, Khaund A, et al. Randomised comparison of uterine artery embolisation (UAE) with surgical treatment in patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids (REST trial): 5-year results. BJOG. 2011 Jul;118(8):936-944.
Peddada SD, Laughlin SK, Miner K, et al. Growth of uterine leiomyomata among premenopausal black and white women. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2008 Dec 16;105(50):19887-92. Epub 2008 Dec 1.
Van Voorhis B. A 41-year-old woman with menorrhagia, anemia, and fibroids: review of treatment of uterine fibroids. JAMA. 2009;301:82-93.
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. ACOG practice bulletin. Alternatives to hysterectomy in the management of leiomyomas. Obstet Gynecol. 2008;112:387-400.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 07/25/2011
David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc., and Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Bellevue, Washington; Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine.
No, uterine fibroids are considered benign.
Does HCG drops have a positive or negative effect on uterine fibroids?
Fibroids are divided into different types, depending on the location. Submucous fibroids are found in the uterine cavity; intramural fibroids grow on the wall of the uterus; and subserous fibroids are located on the outside
Uterine fibroids do not "flare up" they are very slow growing benign tumors inside, outside or with in the wall of the uterus. See: What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, or uterine leiomyoma, are benign tumors or benign neoplasms. (Neoplasm and tumor are synonymous; neoplasms can be benign or malignant. Fibroids are benign.)
yes
Submucous fibroids are found in the uterine cavity; intramural fibroids grow on the wall of the uterus; and subserous fibroids are located on the outside of the uterus.
You can find Uterine Fibroids diet information on many websites as well as in books. You can type in your web browser key words that relate to the information.
It is a procedure in which myomas (uterine fibroids) are surgically removed from the uterus
Are u sure it is mayuma? not myoma(uterine fibroids)
This procedure involves surgical removal of the uterus, and it is the only definitive cure for fibroids. In fact, 25% of hysterectomies are performed because of symptomatic fibroids.
Uterine fibroids refer to benign tumors that start in the uterus. They are the same smooth muscle fibers as the uterine wall but they are denser than normal uterine wall.