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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.
For more information on Fibroids:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/uterine-fibroids/DS00078
Overview and general information about uterine fibroid tumors including
treatment
options.
http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/fibroidtumors/a/fibroidtumors.htm
General information and frequently asked questions about women’s
health issues, including fibroid
tumors.
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/10937.html
Harvard Medical School consumer health information website has general
information about fibroid tumors including symptoms
and methods of diagnosis.
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