Fibroids can be as tiny as a pea or as large as a potato. Some show no symptoms, while others cause severe pain and bleeding. Experts emphasize that although the risk of cancer is very low, regular monitoring is essential.
What is a Fibroid? A fibroid (myoma) is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor of the uterine muscle layer. They are very common: seen in 25% of women of reproductive age and nearly 50% of women over 40.
Causes and Symptoms:
Causes: Excessive estrogen exposure (not having children, early menstruation, late menopause), genetics, and ethnicity (more common in Black women).
Symptoms: Heavy menstrual bleeding, spotting between periods, and pain due to pressure on surrounding organs. Large fibroids can cause frequent urination (pressure on the bladder) or constipation (pressure on the intestines).
Treatment and Surgery:
Diagnosis: Primarily via ultrasound; hysteroscopy or MRI may be used for detailed evaluation.
Observation: If the fibroid is under 5 cm and causes no symptoms, it is monitored every 6–12 months.
Surgery: Necessary if the fibroid is very large, growing rapidly, causing severe anemia, or growing after menopause.
Medication: There is no permanent cure via medication. Drugs can shrink fibroids temporarily before surgery, but they often regrow once medication stops.
Fertility and Pregnancy: Fibroids can block the fallopian tubes or prevent an embryo from attaching to the uterus, leading to infertility or miscarriage. In pregnancy, they may increase the risk of premature birth or cause pain as they grow.