Fibroids are a major gynecological problem.
Fibroids are tumors that grow from cells in the wall of the uterus. The medical term for fibroids is leiomyoma (leye-oh-meye-OH-muh). They are a major gynecological problem, accounting for nearly 200,000 hysterectomies per year.
The majority of fibroids are benign. In rare cases, cancerous fibroids do appear, though doctors don't believe they result from an existing fibroid.
Fibroids
Fibroids are growths of muscle cells and connective tissue, both of which are types of cells found in the uterine wall. The are usually benign, and can range in size from barely visible to extremely large. Fibroids can grow into the the wall of the uterus, under the lining of the uterus, or on the outside of the uterus. They can also hang from a stalk into the uterine cavity.
Some women with fibroids have no symptoms. Others have symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe vaginal bleeding between periods. Cramping and bloating during and between periods, as well as pain during intercourse, are additional symptoms.
Cancerous Fibroids
In less than 1 in 1,000 women, a malignant tumor forms from the same cells that form a fibroid. This cancer is known as leiomyosarcoma (leye-oh-meye-oh-sar-KOH-muh).
Any woman with a rapidly growing fibroid should have it checked for cancer. Any postmenopausal woman who has vaginal bleeding should also be immediately checked for cancer. The risk of uterine cancer of any type increases after menopause.
Fibroids and Cancer
While malignant (cancerous) fibroids do appear, having benign fibroids does not increase a woman's risk of having malignant ones. Having benign fibroids also does not increase a woman's risk of getting other types of uterine cancer.
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