Uterine Fibroid Tumor

A fibroid is a non-cancerous tumor found in the uterus. The Mayo Clinic estimates that as many as three out of four women of childbearing age have uterine fibroids, but most of them don't know it because they seldom exhibit any symptoms. The presence of fibroids does not indicate any increased risk of developing uterine cancer, and there is a very low chance of the growths themselves developing into cancer. However, uterine fibroids can sometimes lead to more serious complications such as anemia from excessive blood loss or complications during pregnancy, so it's best not to ignore the possible symptoms.

Types

• A fibroid is classified by its location as either a submucosal or subserosal fibroid. Submucosal fibroids grow into the cavity of the uterus, and are considered responsible for heavy menstrual bleeding and infertility. Subserosal fibroids grow outside the uterus, often putting pressure on your bladder and causing urinary problems. If the subserosal fibroids grow from the back of your uterus, they can cause constipation or backaches by pressing on your rectum or spinal nerves.

Symptoms

• Most women will not experience any symptoms associated with fibroids growing in their uterine cavity, but occasionally some symptoms may appear. The most common is heavy and prolonged bleeding, sometimes with pain and clotting. Other symptoms may include pelvic pressure or pain due to the fibroids pressing on other pelvic organs, an abnormally large abdomen or painful sexual intercourse.

Cause

• Uterine fibroids develop when a single cell in the muscular tissue of the uterus repeatedly reproduces, creating a rubbery mass. The exact reason for this growth is unknown, but several factors seem to play a role in the development of the tumors. Genetic abnormalities within the uterine muscle cells affect the normal growth of those cells, as do estrogen hormone levels. Fibroids tend to contain more estrogen hormone and receptors than the normal uterine muscle cells.

Diagnosis

• Because most women with fibroids experience no symptoms, the existence of these growths can go undetected. For those unlucky women who do experience the symptoms, a trip to the doctor to confirm the cause is in order. The size of your uterus will be checked. An ultrasound or MRI will be ordered if it feels enlarged. The size and location of the fibroids will be determined, thereby allowing the doctor to offer advice on a recommended course of treatment.

Treatment

• If you are experiencing no adverse signs or symptoms from your fibroids, your doctor may advise a "wait-and-see" approach. The fibroids will be monitored for additional growth; they usually begin to shrink after menopause. In the event that your fibroids are causing pain and uncomfortable symptoms, your doctor may prescribe medications such as leuprolide or Nafarelin acetate to regulate hormone production, or suggest the insertion of a progestin-releasing intrauterine device to lesson the severity of the pain and bleeding.