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Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids or uterine myomas, are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue and can vary in size, ranging from a grain of rice to as big as a melon. Uterine fibroids are the most common tumour of the reproductive tract, affecting an estimated 20% to 80% of women of reproductive age, with Black women being more likely to develop them. While many women with fibroids do not experience any noticeable symptoms, some may suffer from heavy and prolonged periods, bleeding between periods, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, and other symptoms that can interfere with their daily lives.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | Growths made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue |
| Location | In or on the uterus/womb |
| Types | Intramural, Submucosal, Subserosal, Pedunculated |
| Size | 1mm to 20cm in diameter or larger; can be the size of a pea, seed, watermelon or melon |
| Symptoms | Heavy and prolonged periods, bleeding between periods, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, frequent urination, pain during sex, low back pain, constipation, bloating, pressure on rectum, sudden sharp pain in the abdomen, severe vaginal bleeding, lightheadedness, extreme fatigue, weakness |
| Risk Factors | Age (30s, 40s and up to menopause), family history, obesity, ethnic origin (African-American, African-Caribbean), genetics, prolonged exposure to estrogen |
| Treatment | Medication, surgery, ultrasound |
| Cancerous | Mostly benign; rarely cancerous |
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What You'll Learn
- Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus/womb
- They are made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue
- Intramural fibroids are the most common type, developing in the muscular wall of the uterus/womb
- Subserosal fibroids are the second most common, growing outside the uterus into the pelvis
- Submucosal fibroids are the least common, growing under the inner lining of the uterus
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus/womb
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus or womb. They are made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. These growths can develop within the wall of the uterus, inside the main cavity of the uterus, or on the outer surface of the uterus. They are also known as uterine myomas or leiomyomas.
The size of fibroids can vary, ranging from as small as a grain of rice or a pea to as big as a melon or watermelon. They can be found alone or in groups. In some cases, they can grow into the uterine cavity or outward from the uterus on stalks. The most common type of fibroid is an intramural fibroid, which develops in the muscular wall of the womb. Subserosal fibroids develop outside the wall of the womb into the pelvis and can become quite large. Submucosal fibroids are less common and grow under the inner lining of the uterus, sometimes with a stalk. The least common type is pedunculated fibroids, which attach to the uterus with a stalk or stem.
Fibroids are a very common condition, with an estimated 20% to 50% of women of reproductive age currently having fibroids, and up to 77% or 70% to 80% expected to develop them at some point during their childbearing years. Black women and women of African-Caribbean origin are more likely to develop fibroids and are often diagnosed at younger ages. Obesity is also a risk factor, as higher body weight increases estrogen levels. Women who have had children are at a lower risk of developing fibroids.
Many women are unaware they have fibroids as they do not cause any noticeable symptoms. However, some women experience severe symptoms that can interfere with their daily lives, such as heavy and prolonged periods, bleeding between periods, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, and pressure in the abdomen. Fibroids are most often found during a routine pelvic exam or noted on imaging. Treatment options are available and may include medication or surgery.
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They are made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths or tumours that develop in or around the uterus. They are composed of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. These growths can vary in size, ranging from as small as a grain of rice or a pea to as big as a melon or watermelon.
The composition of fibroids is primarily of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. These muscle cells are different from the skeletal and cardiac muscles in the body, which are under voluntary and involuntary control, respectively. Smooth muscle cells, on the other hand, are controlled by the autonomous nervous system and are not subject to conscious control. This means that the contraction and relaxation of these cells, and therefore the growth and behaviour of fibroids, are influenced by various factors such as hormones, neurotransmitters, and local tissue factors.
Fibroids are estimated to affect a large number of women during their lifetime, with some sources stating that 70-80% of women will develop fibroids. However, it is important to note that many women may be unaware of their presence due to a lack of noticeable symptoms. In some cases, fibroids may be discovered during routine pelvic examinations or imaging scans for other purposes.
The growth of fibroids is influenced by hormonal factors, particularly estrogen. Research suggests that fibroids develop from abnormal muscle cells in the uterus that multiply rapidly when exposed to estrogen. This hormone promotes the growth of these tumours, leading to their varying sizes and potential impact on surrounding structures.
The presence of fibrous connective tissue in fibroids contributes to their structural integrity and growth pattern. Connective tissue is composed of fibres, ground substances, and fluid, providing support and framework for the muscle cells within the fibroids. The interaction between the muscle cells and connective tissue likely plays a crucial role in the development and behaviour of these tumours.
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Intramural fibroids are the most common type, developing in the muscular wall of the uterus/womb
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb (uterus). They are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and vary in size. They are sometimes known as uterine myomas or leiomyomas. Many women are unaware they have fibroids because they do not experience any noticeable symptoms.
Intramural fibroids are the most common type of fibroid, developing in the muscular wall of the uterus/womb. They are embedded into the muscular wall of the uterus and are one of the four main types of fibroids, the others being submucosal fibroids, subserosal fibroids, and pedunculated fibroids. The size of intramural fibroids can range from as small as a grain of rice to as big as a watermelon. They are most common in women of reproductive age, typically between 30 and 50 years old, and are often found during a routine pelvic exam or noted incidentally on imaging.
The symptoms of intramural fibroids can include heavy and prolonged periods, bleeding between periods, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, and a feeling of fullness in the lower belly or abdomen. These symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the fibroids. In some cases, intramural fibroids may not cause any noticeable symptoms.
The exact cause of intramural fibroids is unknown, but they have been linked to the hormone oestrogen. Research suggests that each tumour develops from an abnormal muscle cell in the uterus and multiplies rapidly when encountering the estrogen hormone, which promotes its growth. Genetics and family history may also play a role in the development of intramural fibroids, as studies suggest that having a family member with fibroids increases one's risk.
Treatment options for intramural fibroids may include medications or surgery, depending on the size, location, and severity of symptoms. Most small intramural fibroids do not require treatment other than regular observation by a healthcare provider.
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Subserosal fibroids are the second most common, growing outside the uterus into the pelvis
Fibroids are growths made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue that develop in the uterus. They are almost always non-cancerous and do not increase the risk of uterine cancer. They can range in size, from as small as a grain of rice to as big as a melon. They are a very common condition, with an estimated 20% to 50% of women of reproductive age currently having fibroids, and up to 77% of women expected to develop them at some point during their childbearing years.
Subserosal fibroids are the second most common type of fibroid, growing outside the uterus and protruding into the pelvic cavity. They develop in the outer layer of the uterus, called the serosa, and can become quite large. More than 50% of the fibroid must extend outside the muscular layer of tissue that makes up most of the uterus (the myometrium) for it to be classified as subserosal.
While subserosal fibroids typically have less influence on fertility than other types of fibroids, they can still lead to discomfort or pain, especially if they grow large or press on surrounding organs. For example, they can cause pelvic pressure, back pain, or frequent urination. In some cases, large subserosal fibroids may increase the risk of complications during pregnancy or childbirth, such as placental abruption or fetal malpresentation.
The treatment for subserosal fibroids depends on various factors, including the severity of symptoms, the patient's age, and their overall health. If the fibroids are small and asymptomatic, regular monitoring without immediate intervention may be recommended. Hormonal medications or birth control pills may also help alleviate symptoms and reduce fibroid size. Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) is a minimally invasive procedure that can effectively treat subserosal fibroids by blocking their blood supply, leading to improved quality of life for patients.
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Submucosal fibroids are the least common, growing under the inner lining of the uterus
Fibroids are growths made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. They develop in the uterus and can appear alone or in groups. They are almost always noncancerous. An estimated 20% to 50% of women of reproductive age have fibroids, and up to 77% of women will develop fibroids at some point during their childbearing years.
There are different types of fibroids depending on their location and attachment. Submucosal fibroids are the least common type, growing under the inner lining of the uterus. They are also known as intracavitary fibroids because they grow into the uterus. They are more likely to cause bleeding problems than other types of fibroids, as they can crowd the uterine space. Even when submucosal fibroids are very small, they may cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and long periods. They are also the type of fibroid most likely to lead to fertility and pregnancy problems.
The size of submucosal fibroids can vary, ranging from as small as a grain of rice to as big as a melon. They can be difficult to detect, as only about one-third of fibroids are large enough to be noticed by a healthcare provider during a physical examination. Treatment options for submucosal fibroids depend on their size, the symptoms they are causing, and the patient's plans for pregnancy. In some cases, a doctor may recommend monitoring the fibroid, while in other cases, medication or surgery may be advised.
It is not known what causes fibroids, but research suggests that they develop from abnormal muscle cells in the uterus that multiply rapidly when exposed to the estrogen hormone. Genetics and prolonged exposure to estrogen may also increase the risk of developing fibroids.
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Frequently asked questions
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the womb (uterus). They are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and vary in size.
Many women are unaware they have fibroids because they do not experience any noticeable symptoms. However, some women with fibroids experience severe symptoms that interfere with their daily lives. Common fibroid symptoms include heavy vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, abdominal pain, and pain during sex.
Fibroids are extremely common, with an estimated 40-80% of people with a uterus developing fibroids in their lifetime. They occur most often in women between 30 and 50 years old, with women nearing menopause at the greatest risk.
Treatment options for fibroids include medication and surgery, but most small fibroids do not require treatment other than regular observation by a healthcare provider.
