What are Fibroids?
These are benign tumors (swellings) of smooth muscles of the uterus (womb).
How Common Are Fibroids?
Fibroids are present in 20-25% reproductive age women.
3-9 times more frequent in black than white women.
50% of black women of age 50 years have fibroids. Therefore fibroids are common.
Are Fibroids Cancer (malignant)?
Fibroids are not cancerous but very rarely 0.1 - 0.5% can transform into cancer.
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| Fibroids, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment |
How Big Can The Fibroid Grow?
* Majority are small.
* Larger ones of over 15cm can be present.
* They occur singly or multiples.
* They occupy any part of uterus.
What Are The Symptoms Of Fibroids
* Over 50% have no symptoms
* Abnormal vaginal bleeding is common and most important. Present in 30% of cases.
* Prolonged heavy menses.
* Before and after menses spotting.
* Fibroids only cause pain rarely when complications occur.
* Fibroids can rarely cause backache.
* When large they cause a pressure effect on surrounding organs.
* Fibroids are rare cause of infertility (failure to conceive) but are common in women with few children.
* Spontaneous miscarriage (abortion) may occur more frequently in presence of fibroid.
What Causes Fibroid?
Diagnosis of Fibroids
Treatment of Fibroids
- Treatment of fibroids is by surgical removal.
- Majority don't need operation.
- One type of operation is called myomectomy where fibroids are removed and uterus preserved.
- The other type of operation is called hysterectomy where the uterus is removed with fibroid.
- Decision on which operation depends on factors like age, desired future pregnancies, fibroid size and symptoms.
- Inject able monthly treatments are available but reduce the fibroid size and not eliminate them.
