Fibroid Tumors

What is a fibroid tumor?
Fibroid tumors are usually benign (non-cancerous) tumors most often found in the uterus, although they occasionally develop in other organs which contain smooth muscle cells. They are the most common gynecological tumor in women.

Description of fibroid tumor
Fibroid tumors are solid tumors which are made of fibrous tissue, hence the name 'fibroid' tumor. Fibroid tumors vary in size and number, are most often slow-growing and usually cause no symptoms. Approximately 25% of fibroid tumors will cause symptoms and need medical treatment.
Fibroid tumors may grow as a single nodule or in clusters and may range in size from 1 mm to more than 20 cm in diameter. Fibroid tumors are the most frequently diagnosed tumor of the female pelvis and the most common reason for a woman to have a hysterectomy. Although they are often referred to as tumors, they are not cancerous.
The cause of fibroid tumors has not actually been determined, but most fibroids develop in women during their reproductive years. Fibroid tumors do not develop before the body begins producing estrogen. Fibroid tumors tend to grow very quickly during pregnancy when the body is producing extra estrogen. Once menopause has begun, fibroid tumors generally stop growing and can begin to shrink due to the loss of estrogen.
Fibroid tumors may be erroneously called fibroid cysts.

Alternative names for fibroid tumors are:
Leiomyoma; Fibromyoma; Myoma; Fibroids

Types of Fibroid Tumors
Fibroids are categorised by where they grow in the uterus.

Intramural fibroids are located in the wall of the uterus and are the most common. They can cause the uterus to bulge. Click to see illustration

Submucous or Submucosal fibroids are found within uterine lining and can protrude into the uterine cavity. Generally, these are ones that can cause the most problems. Since they are located in the uterine endometrium, they can cause heavy orrolonged bleeding during menstruation. Click to see illustration

Subserous or Subserosal fibroids develop on the outside of the uterus and usually have the least symptoms. Subserous fibroids can become pedunculated as they grow, meaning they can develop a stalk. Subserous fibroids can grow to be very large. Click to see illustration

Until recently, hysterectomy was the preferred option for treating symptomatic fibroids. Now, however, there are a number of uterine fibroid treatments.

What are my uterine fibroids treatment alternatives?

Learn about a new MR Guided focused ultrasound treatment which destroys fibroids without incisions

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ExAblate MR-guided Focused Ultrasound Treatment for uterine fibroids. © 2004-2008 All rights reserved.
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