Fibroid Tumors 101 - What You Need To Know

Fibroid Tumors

Fibroids are tumors that can grow and develop within a woman's uterus.  They may be tiny in size or grow to weigh several pounds, existing as a single tumor or growing in clusters of small tumors.  These muscular tumors grow either within or attach themselves to the wall of the uterus.

While most fibroids are non-cancerous and very common, they can certainly cause women many problems.  Fibroid tumors can be extremely painful.  They can also cause the need to urinate frequently or excessive bleeding during the woman's menstrual cycle.

The growth of fibroid tumors is stimulated by estrogen, so fibroids are most common in women over age 20 until they reach menopause.  Studies have shown that one in every five women over the age of 35 will experience fibroid tumors.  Fibroids seem to be twice as likely in black women as white women, with approximately 50 percent of black women experiencing them and 25 percent of white women experiencing them.  Since estrogen stimulates the growth of fibroid tumors, they will typically shrink in size after a woman goes through menopause since the body no longer produces much estrogen at that time.

Women who began their first menstrual cycle before they were 10 years old, women who have never been pregnant and given birth, and women who are obese or significantly overweight are at increased risk for fibroid tumors.

Types of Fibroids

The most common type of fibroid tumor is the intramural fibroid.  This is a tumor that is located within the uterine wall, beneath the mucosal surface.  These tumors may grow quite large.  Submucosal fibroids are found under the muscle near the endometrium.  And cervical fibroids occur on or near the cervix.

Most fibroid tumors are benign.  They have no symptoms and do not put a woman's health at risk.  Sometimes, the first indication that a woman even has a fibroid tumor is when it is found during a routine pelvic examination.

As mentioned, most fibroid tumors are non-cancerous.  According to the US Department of Health and Human Services, there is less than a 1 in 1000 chance of a fibroid tumor being cancerous, and existing fibroid tumors will not develop into cancer.  However, there are some very rare cases where malignant or cancerous tumors can develop.  This is why it is important to see your physician regularly for annual checkups.

Symptoms of Fibroids

The symptoms of fibroid tumors will vary according to the size of the fibroid, the location of the tumor, and the number of tumors-including whether it is an individual tumor or a grapelike cluster of fibroids.
One of the most common symptoms of fibroid tumors is irregular or abnormally heavy vaginal bleeding, very heavy menstrual periods with blood clots, and very painful periods.

Another symptom of fibroid tumors may be a feeling of constant bladder fullness.  As a uterine fibroid tumor grows larger, it can put pressure on the bladder, resulting in more frequent urination or just feeling like you have to go more often even when you don't.  Likewise, they can also put pressure on the rectum and cause constipation or hemorrhoids.  Drinking lots of water and eating whole grains, fruits, and vegetables rich in fiber can help alleviate this problem.  Natural laxatives can also provide relief.

A large appearance of weight gain isolated within a woman's mid-section-such as in the abdomen or near the waist-may also indicate the presence and growth of fibroid tumors.  Likewise, bloating and abdominal discomfort are often present.
Fibroids may also cause pre-mature labor during pregnancy, miscarriages, and/or pain during sexual intercourse.

Testing

Your physician will begin with a pelvic exam to determine the cause of your pain, heavy bleeding, or other symptoms.  Additional tests, such as an ultrasound, may also be warranted.  This can help exclude other serious health conditions.  And an ultrasound can also pinpoint the location, size, shape, and number of tumors present.  Your physician may also order an endometrial biopsy where a small sample of uterine tissue is extracted for testing.  Finally, a hysteroscopy is another test that can be used to actually view the uterus via a scope inserted through the cervix.

Treatments

The treatment of fibroid tumors will vary according to the location and size of the tumors and whether they are causing significant problems.  Treatment will also vary based on your age, plans to have children in the future, and other factors.

One of the easiest treatments is to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications or oral contraception.  However, surgery is also a common treatment.  Another newer option is called uterine artery embolization.

Hysterectomies are also become an increasingly common treatment for fibroid tumors and are actually one of the primary reasons for this surgery in the United States.  

Each year approximately 600,000 such operations are performed, and of these, approximately 200,000 are done to treat-and cure-fibroid tumors.

Some experts suggest that uterine fibroids may be prevented by maintaining a normal body weight (avoiding obesity) and exercising regularly.  Good overall health helps prevent the development of these tumors.  Obesity, on the other hand, leads to higher estrogen levels which stimulates the growth of fibroids.