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For more fibroid tumours information:

BBC Health: Overview and general information about uterine fibroid tumours including treatment options.

iVillage: Frequently asked questions & general information about women’s health issues, including fibroid tumours.

Women's Health Information: General information about fibroid tumours including symptoms and methods of diagnosis.

 

Fibroid Tumours

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

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

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

Types of Fibroid tumours
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.

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 myomas.
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