fibroid tumors

Fibroid tumors

Fibroid tumors are non-cancerous (benign) growths in the uterus. They occur in 30-40% of women over age 40, and do not need to be removed unless they are causing symptoms that interfere with a woman's normal activities.

Mentioned in: Abortion, Therapeutic, Postmenopausal Bleeding

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Patient discussion about fibroid tumors.

Q. uterine fibroids. Whats the best way to deal with them? My doctor says hysterectomy? What about my hormones?

A. Yes, drugs that suppress the levels of the female sex hormones (estrogen) are successful for treating uterine fibroids. However, the relief is only temporary and the fibroids recur once the treatment is stopped. In addition, these treatments cause side effects similar to menopause.

Surgery is the definitive treatment, especially for complications such as bleeding or pain, and when there's a suspicion for malignancy.

You may read more here: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000914.htm