What is Fibroid?

A uterine fibroid is a common type of benign (non-cancerous) tumor that develops within the uterine wall. Uterine fibroids occur in up to one third of all women and are the leading reason for hysterectomy (removal of the uterus). The exact reasons why some women develop fibroids are unknown. Fibroids tend to run in families, and affected women often have a family history of fibroids. One in five women older than 35 years has a uterine fibroid.

 

 

Since oestrogen helps in their growth so their growth is seen during 15 to 45 years of women life, as during this time only the oestrogen is secreted in body. So fatty women have more chances of getting fibroids as they have more oestrogen. In 1% of cases the fibroid can transform to become malignant which is known as leiomyosarcoma.

 

 

There are many types of fibroids. Among them are subserosal, submucosal, intramural and pedunculated fibroid as shown in image below.

 

Special attention must be given to fibroid arising from submucosa area as it can cause severe symptoms such as excessive menstrual bleeding and infertility which can affect a person's life.

 

The diagnosis of fibroid usually made after doing the ultrasound scan of the uterus to visualize the uterus and by measuring the size of the fibroids. Large fibroids, or fibroid which is symptomatic has to be removed via surgery.

 

Hesitancy of searching for medical attention, and delay in diagnosis will result in extremely large fibroid which will make the surgery difficult, or worse, requires removal of the whole uterus.

 

In conclusion, we must be alert of the changes in our menstruation. Any mass or unusual pain should alert us to seek for medical attention without any delay.