Uterine fibroids - Overview
Alternative Names
Leiomyoma; Fibromyoma; Myoma; Fibroids
Definition of Uterine fibroids:
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous tumors that develop within or attach to the wall of the uterus, a female reproductive organ.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Uterine fibroids are the most common pelvic tumor. Fibroids may be seen as many as 1 in every 5 women in their childbearing years (the time after starting menstruation for the first time and before menopause.)
Fibroids usually affect women over age 30. They are rare in women under 20 or in those who have gone through menopause. They are more common in African-Americans than Caucasians.
The cause of uterine fibroid tumors is unknown. However, fibroid growth seems to depend on the hormone estrogen. As long as a woman with fibroids is menstruating, a fibroid will probably continue to grow, usually slowly.
Fibroids can be so tiny that you need a microscope to see them. However, they can also grow very large. They may fill the entire uterus, and may weigh several pounds. Although it is possible for just one fibroid to develop, usually there is more than one.
Sometimes, a fibroid hangs from a long stalk, which is attached to the outside of the uterus. This is called a pedunculated fibroid.
- Reviewed last on: 5/26/2008
- Susan Storck, MD, FACOG, Clinical Teaching Faculty, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Washington School of Medicine; Chief, Eastside Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Group Health Cooperative of Puget Sound, Redmond, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
References
Katz VL, Lentz GM, Lobo RA, Gershenson DM. Comprehensive Gynecology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2007: pp. 441-447.
Viswanathan M, Hartmann K, et al. Management of uterine fibroids: an update of the evidence. Evid Rep Technol Assess. 2007;154: 1-122.
Evans P, Brunsell S. Uterine fibroid tumors: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2007; 75(10): 1503-8.
Griffiths A, D'Angelo A, et al. Surgical treatment of fibroids for subfertility. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2006; 3: CD003857.
Hehenkamp WJ, Volkers NA, et al. Uterine artery embolization versus hysterectomy in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids (EMMY trial): peri- and postprocedural results from a randomized controlled trial. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2005; 193(5): 1618-29.
