Fibroids are benign tumors that grow
in the wall of the uterus. Sometimes they can grow inside
the uterine cavity or on the outside of the uterus. Composed
of muscular and fibrous tissue, these tumors may grow over
time, but it is extremely rare for them to become cancerous.
Some are as small as peas while others grow as large as a
cantaloupe. In rare cases, fibroids may be even more
massive.
Their cause is unknown, but
researchers believe that women may inherit the tendency to
develop fibroids. Some think that fibroids may be present
from birth as tiny clusters of abnormal uterine muscle
cells. No one is sure what causes fibroids to grow, but the
female hormone estrogen plays a role, as do progestins and
growth factors commonly found in fibroid tumors. Small
fibroids may shrink or even disappear during menopause.
Women who are middle-aged, who have
never had children, and who have a close female relative
with fibroids have a greater risk of developing fibroids.
Those who are lean and athletic apparently have a lower risk
of developing the tumors than those who are sedentary and
overweight.
|
SEVERAL TYPES OF FIBROIDS
There are four primary types of
uterine fibroids, categorized by their location.
Different fibroids typically require different
treatments.
Intracavitary fibroids are
attached inside the cavity of the uterus. These fibroids
often cause irregular bleeding between periods ("metrorrhagia")
and severe cramping. They are rarely asymptomatic.
Intramural fibroids develop
in the muscle of the uterus and expand inward,
increasing the size of the uterus. These are the most
common type of fibroid and are usually diagnosed during
a pelvic examination. Intramural fibroids may cause
heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic or back pain.
|
|
Subserosal fibroids develop
under the outside covering of the uterus and expand outward
through the wall, causing pain and pressure in the pelvic
area and back. This kind of fibroid can develop a stalk or
stem-like base and may be confused sometimes with an ovarian
mass. Ultrasound or other scanning studies are often used
for diagnosis.
Submucosal fibroids lie just
under the inside lining of the uterus. These are the least
common fibroids, but they tend to be the most problematic.
Even a very small submucosal fibroid can cause heavy
bleeding and very prolonged periods.
Those who have fibroids typically have
more than one. The tumors also may grow in other locations
in the pelvis, next to the body of the uterus, or even in
the cervix. These unusual growths may be difficult to
diagnose.
