Fibroid Tumors

What Are Fibroids?

Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in or on a woman’s uterus. Sometimes, these tumors become quite large and cause severe abdominal pain and heavy periods. In other cases, they cause no signs or symptoms at all. The growths are typically benign (noncancerous).

Types of Fibroids

Different fibroids develop in different locations in and on the uterus.

Intramural Fibroids

Intramural fibroids are the most common type of fibroid. These types appear within the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Intramural fibroids may grow larger and actually stretch your womb.

Subserosal Fibroids

Subserosal fibroids form on the outside of your uterus, which is called the serosa. They may grow large enough to make your womb appear bigger on one side.

Pedunculated Fibroids

When subserosal tumors develop a stem (a slender base that supports the tumor), they become pedunculated fibroids.

Submucosal Fibroids

These types of tumors develop in the inner lining (myometrium) of your uterus. Submucosal tumors are not as common as

What Causes Fibroids?

It is unclear why fibroids develop, but several factors may influence their formation.

Hormones

Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones produced by the ovaries. They cause the uterine lining to regenerate during each menstrual cycle and may stimulate the growth of fibroids.

Family History

Fibroids may run in the family. If your mother, sister, or grandmother has a history of this condition, you may develop it as well.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy increases the production of estrogen and progesterone in your body. Fibroids may develop and grow rapidly while you are pregnant.

Who Is at Risk for Fibroids?

Women are at greater risk for developing fibroids if they have one or more of the following risk factors:

• pregnancy

• a family history of fibroids

• being over the age of 30

• being of African-American descent

• having a high body weight

What Are the Symptoms of Fibroids?

Your symptoms will depend on the location and size of the tumor(s) and how many tumors you have. If your tumor is very small, or if you are going through menopause, you may not have any symptoms. Fibroids may shrink during and after menopause.

Symptoms of fibroids may include:

• heavy bleeding between or during your periods that includes blood clots

• pain in the pelvis and/or lower back

• increased menstrual cramping

• increased urination

• pain during intercourse

• menstruation that lasts longer than usual

• pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen

• swelling or enlargement of the abdomen

How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?

You will need to see a gynecologist to get a pelvic exam. This exam is used to check the condition, size, and shape of your uterus. You may also need other tests, which include:

Ultrasound

An ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to produce images of your uterus on a screen. This will allow your doctor to see its internal structures and any fibroids present. A transvaginal ultrasound, in which the ultrasound wand (transducer) is inserted into the vagina, may provide clearer pictures since it is closer to the uterus during this procedure.

Pelvic MRI

This in-depth imaging testing produces pictures of your uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs.

How Are Fibroids Treated?

Your doctor will develop a treatment plan based on your age, the size of your fibroid(s), and your overall health. You may receive a combination of treatments.

Medications

Medications to regulate your hormone levels may be prescribed to shrink fibroids. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, such as leuprolide (Lupron), will cause your estrogen and progesterone levels to drop. This will eventually stop menstruation and shrink fibroids.

Other options that can help control bleeding and pain, but will not shrink or eliminate fibroids, include:

• an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases the hormone progestin

• over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as ibuprofen

• birth control pills

• traditional treatment

Surgery

Surgery to remove very large or multiple growths (myomectomy) may be performed. An abdominal myomectomy involves making a large incision in the abdomen to access the uterus and remove the fibroids. The surgery can also be performed laparoscopically, using a few small incisions into which surgical tools and a camera are inserted.

Your physician may perform a hysterectomy (removal of your uterus) if your condition worsens, or if no other treatments work. However, this means that you will not be able to bear children in the future.

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