Definition: Uterine fibroid tumors are benign or non-cancerous growths that occur in the uterus. The medical term for fibroid tumors is leiomyomas. Uterine fibroid tumors range in size from pebble sized to basketball size or larger. The majority of women who have fibroid tumors do not have symptoms. Women who do have symptoms may experience abnormal uterine bleeding and painful periods. Diagnosis and treatment often occur during the same procedure. Procedures for uterine fibroid tumors include myomectomy, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, uterine artery embolization or UAE, and magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery or MRgFUS. Benign uterine fibroids that do not respond to other treatments, lead to thousands of hysterectomies each year.
See: Before You Have A Hysterectomy
Because uterine fibroid tumors are estrogen-dependent, women who can wait until natural menopause occurs often see their fibroids shrink after menopause because of the declining estrogen levels that cause menopause.
See also:
Medical Treatments for Uterine Fibroid Tumors
Non Surgical Treatments for Uterine Fibroid Tumors
Surgical Treatments for Uterine Fibroid Tumors
Also Known As: leiomyoma, myoma, fibroma, fibromyoma
