uterine fibroid

Uterine fibroid

A noncancerous tumor of the uterus that can range from the size of a pea to the size of a grapefruit. Small fibroids require no treatment, but those causing serious symptoms may need to be removed.

Mentioned in: Dilatation and Curettage

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uterine fibroid

Etymology: L, uterus + fibra, fiber; Gk, eidos, form

a growth of fibrous tissue in the uterus, usually a fibroma, fibromyoma, or leiomyofibroma.

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uterine fibroid

Fibroid, fibromyoma, leiomyoma, myoma Gynecology A benign smooth muscle tumor that arises in the myometrium, possibly linked to endogenous estrogen production; UFs are rare before age 20, involute after menopause, weigh up to a 1+ kg–average < 15 cm in diameter; they are the most common pelvic tumor, occur in up to 30% of reproductive-age ♀, and are 3 to 9 times more common in African-Americans than Caucasians; fibroids with a stalk are termed pedunculated

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Patient discussion about uterine fibroid.

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