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