Uterine fibroids (UF), also known as uterine leiomyomata, are the most common non-cancerous tumors in women of childbearing age. The tumors arise from muscle cells and other tissues within the wall of the uterus. Fibroids can occur as individual tumors or as clusters of tumors of varying sizes.
Subserosal Fibroids These fibroids develop in the outer portion of the uterus and continue to grow outward.
Intramural Fibroids The most common type of fibroid, which develops within the uterine wall and expands making the uterus feel larger than normal (which may cause "bulk symptoms").
Submucosal Fibroids These fibroids develop just under the lining of the uterine cavity. These are the fibroids that have the most effect on heavy menstrual bleeding and the ones that can cause problems with infertility and miscarriage.
Pedunculated Fibroids Fibroids that grow on a small stalk which connects them to the inner or outer wall of the uterus.
Who Gets Uterine Fibroids?
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, at least 25 percent of women suffer from uterine fibroids. As many as 77 percent of women may actually have the condition, but may be unaware of it because they exhibit few or no symptoms. Although the cause of uterine fibroids is still unknown, several factors have been found to increase or decrease the risk of developing them:
African-American women have a three to five times greater risk for developing uterine fibroids than Caucasian women.
Women who are obese or overweight have a slightly higher risk for developing uterine fibroids than women of normal weight.
Women who have given birth have a lower risk of developing uterine fibroids than women who have not.
What are the Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?
Heavy bleeding or painful periods
Frequent urination (results from a fibroid pressing on the bladder)
Bleeding between periods
Pain during sex
Feeling "full" in the lower abdomen
Lower back pain
How Are Uterine Fibroids Treated?
The choice of treatment depends on several factors, including degree and frequency of symptoms, fertility considerations, fibroid size, patient age and a patient’s willingness to undergo invasive procedures. Upon detection of uterine fibroids, if symptoms are not severe, women often are counseled to take a watchful waiting approach to see if symptoms worsen. Pain medication (over-the-counter or prescription) may be sufficient to treat intermittent pain or mild symptoms. For women with more severe symptoms, the goal of therapy has been to remove or reduce the size of the tumor(s).
Minimally Invasive Surgery and Gynecologic Oncology of New York Phone 914-761-0900 212-717-0777 Fax 914-761-8900
