Uterine Fibroids

UTERINE FIBROIDS
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Also called leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas, uterine fibroids aren't associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer.

Uterine fibroids develop from the smooth muscular tissue of the uterus (myometrium). A single cell divides repeatedly, eventually creating a firm, rubbery mass distinct from nearby tissue. The growth patterns of uterine fibroids vary — they may grow slowly or rapidly, or they may remain the same size. Some fibroids go through growth spurts, and some may shrink on their own. Many fibroids that have been present during pregnancy shrink or disappear after pregnancy, as the uterus goes back to a normal size.

Fibroids range in size from seedlings, undetectable by the human eye, to bulky masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. They can be single or multiple, in extreme cases expanding the uterus so much that it reaches the rib cage.

As many as 3 out of 4 women have uterine fibroids sometime during their lives, but most are unaware of them because they often cause no symptoms. Your doctor may discover fibroids incidentally during a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound.

TYPES OF FIBROIDS

*Intramural Fibroids
Intramural Fibroids are the most common type of fibroid.These types appear withinthe muscular wall of the Uterus.

*Subserosal Fibroids
Subserosal fibroids form outside of the uterus,which is called the serosa.They may grow large enough to make the womb appear bigger in one Side.

*Pedunculated Fibroids
When subserosal tumors develop a stem( a slender base that supports the tumor),they become peduncuated Fibroids.

*Submucosal Fibroids
This type of tumors develop in the middle layer (Myometrium) of the uterus.They are not common as other types,but they may cause heavy menstrual Bleeding.

SYMPTOMS

Heavy menstrual bleeding
Prolonged menstrual periods — seven days or more of menstrual bleeding
Pelvic pressure or pain
Frequent urination
Difficulty emptying your bladder
Constipation
Backache or leg pains

CAUSES

Hormones
Family History
Pregnancy