Fibroid Tumors: What Every Woman Must Know

Fibroid tumors, also known as uterine myomas or leiomyomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in the muscular wall of the uterus. They are very common, affecting up to 80% of women at some point in their lives. However, most fibroid tumors are small and do not cause any symptoms. Only about 20-50% of women with fibroids will ever experience any problems from them.

Symptoms of fibroid tumors can include:

* Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding

* Pelvic pain or pressure

* Frequent urination

* Constipation

* Backache

* Leg pain

* Infertility

* Miscarriage

Risk factors for developing fibroid tumors include:

* Age: Fibroids are most common in women between the ages of 30 and 50.

* Race: African-American women are more likely to develop fibroids than women of other races.

* Family history: Women with a family history of fibroids are more likely to develop them themselves.

* Obesity: Obese women are more likely to develop fibroids than women of normal weight.

* Certain medical conditions: Women with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and thyroid problems, are more likely to develop fibroids.

Treatment for fibroid tumors depends on the severity of the symptoms.

* For mild symptoms, treatment may not be necessary.

* For more severe symptoms, treatment options may include:

* Medication to shrink the fibroids

* Surgery to remove the fibroids

* Uterine artery embolization (UAE), which is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks the blood supply to the fibroids

* Magnetic resonance imaging-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS), which is a non-invasive procedure that uses ultrasound waves to destroy the fibroids

If you are experiencing symptoms of fibroid tumors, it is important to see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.