Fibroid Tumor on Ovaries

Although most fibroid tumors form on the uterus, they can form on other smooth, fibrous tissues like ovarian tissue. The good news is that only about 1 percent of fibroid tumors are malignant (cancerous) and many women who have fibroid tumors don't even know they have them. On the other hand, ovarian fibroid tumors can cause problems if they grow especially large.

Symptoms

• Only about 25 percent of women with fibroid tumors experience any symptoms at all. The most common symptom is lower abdominal pain, which, when caused by ovarian fibroid tumors, almost always occurs during menstruation. Other symptoms include excessive menstrual bleeding and a swollen abdomen.

Diagnosis

• Many doctors find ovarian fibroid tumors during routine exams when the patient hasn't experienced any symptoms. Fibroid tumors also can be detected by ultrasound.

Surgery

• Ovarian fibroid tumors can be removed by surgery. This is a popular option for women over 40 who may be concerned about the tumors obscuring signs of ovarian cancer.

Laser Treatment

• In some cases, doctors can use lasers to shrink or remove fibroid tumors.

Warnings

• Only a doctor can diagnose and treat fibroid tumors. So see your doctor if you experience symptoms.