Fibroids are benign tumors that grow outside, inside, or within the wall the uterus. Composed of muscular and fibrous tissue, these tumors may grow over time but only rarely become cancerous. Some are as small as peas while others grow as large as a cantaloupe. In rare cases, fibroids may be even more massive. Their cause is unknown, but researchers believe that women may inherit the tendency to develop fibroids. Some think that fibroids may be present from birth as tiny clusters of abnormal uterine muscle cells. No one is sure what causes fibroids to grow, but the female hormone estrogen plays a role, as do progestins and growth factors commonly found in fibroid tumors. Small fibroids may shrink or even disappear during menopause.

Women who are middle-aged, who have never had children, and who have a close female relative with fibroids have a greater risk of developing fibroids. Those who are lean and athletic apparently have a lower risk of developing the tumors than those who are sedentary and overweight.

Three kinds of fibroids

There are three primary types of uterine fibroids. Different fibroids typically require different treatments.

Intramural fibroids develop in the muscle of the uterus and expand inward, increasing the size of the uterus. These are the most common type of fibroid and are usually diagnosed during a pelvic examination. Intramural fibroids may cause heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic or back pain.

Subserosal fibroids develop under the outside covering of the uterus and expand outward through the wall, causing pain and pressure in the pelvic area and back. This kind of fibroid can develop a stalk or stem-like base and may be confused sometimes with an ovarian mass. Ultrasound or other scanning studies are often used for diagnosis.

Submucosal fibroids lie just under the inside lining of the uterus. These are the least common fibroids, but they tend to be the most problematic. Even a very small submucosal fibroid can cause heavy bleeding and very prolonged periods.

Those who have fibroids typically have more than one. The tumors also may grow in other locations in the pelvis, next to the body of the uterus, or even in the cervix. These unusual growths may be difficult to diagnose.

To learn more about this condition, Sign in here.

If you do not have access to our personalized Health Center, we encourage you to ask us for your Patient Prescription Form to take advantage of this service by calling 615-555-4321.