Uterine Fibroids

Uterine Fibroids
(Benign Tumors Of The Uterus)

Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Previous contributing medical author: Leon Baginski, MD, FACOG

• What are uterine fibroids?
• Why do women develop uterine fibroids and how common are they?
• What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?
• Do untreated uterine fibroids pose a risk?
• What are the usual ways of diagnosing uterine fibroids?
• What is the treatment of uterine fibroids?
  • Surgical treatment for fibroids
  • Medical treatment for fibroids
  • Patient Discussions: Uterine Fibroids (Benign Tumors Of The Uterus) - Describe Your Experience
• Uterine Fibroids At A Glance

What are uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids (also referred to as uterine leiomyomata, uterine leiomyomas, or uterine myomas) are benign tumors that originate in the uterus (womb). Although they are composed of the same smooth muscle fibers as the uterine wall (myometrium), they are many times denser than normal myometrium. Uterine fibroids are usually round or semi-round in shape.

Uterine fibroids are often described based upon their location within the uterus. Subserosal fibroids are located beneath the serosa (the lining membrane on the outside of the organ). These often appear localized on the outside surface of the uterus or may be attached to the outside surface by a pedicle. Submucosal (submucous) fibroids are located inside the uterine cavity beneath the lining of the uterus. Intramural fibroids are located within the muscular wall of the uterus.

Why do women develop uterine fibroids and how common are they?

We do not know exactly why women develop these tumors. Genetic abnormalities, alterations in growth factor (proteins formed in the body that direct the rate and extent of cell proliferation) expression, abnormalities in the vascular (blood vessel) system, and tissue response to injury have all been suggested to play a role in the development of fibroids.

Family history is a key factor, since there is often a history of fibroids developing in women of the same family. Race also appears to play a role. Women of African descent are two to three times more likely to develop fibroids than women of other races. Pregnancy and taking oral contraceptives both decrease the likelihood that fibroids will develop. Fibroids have not been observed in girls who have not reached puberty, but adolescent girls may rarely develop fibroids.

Overall, these tumors are fairly common and occur in up to 50% of all women. Most of the time, uterine fibroids do not cause symptoms or problems, and a woman with a fibroid is usually unaware of its presence.

Uterine Fibroids (Benign Tumors Of The Uterus) - Describe Your Experience

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Please describe your experience with uterine fibroids (benign tumors of the uterus).

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