Fibroid Tumors

Fibroid tumors, which are more commonly known as fibroids, can grow in all organs, but when most people hear the word “fibroids,” they think of the kind that can grow in the female uterus.

Approximately one U.S. woman in four will have fibroids at some point in her life. Because many women fear that their fibroids will eventually become cancerous, fibroids are the number one reason women have hysterectomies.

Fibroids are generally small benign tumors that are made of fibrous or connective tissue. These are known as fibromas. But in some cases the fibroids may be malignant, in which case the term fibrosarcoma is used. Fibroids can develop in the uterine wall or attached to it. Sometimes they grow as a single tumor. At other times, they appear in clusters. They're stimulated by estrogen. Sometimes they're small and they disappear or shrink on their own after menopause. Uterine fibroids often trigger severe pelvic pain, frequent urination and excessive menstrual bleeding.

Who Is Likely to Get Fibroid Tumors?

Statistics and research tell us that certain groups seem to be at higher risk than others for fibroids. These include:

• Women who are overweight or obese.
• Women who began menstruating before the age of 10.
• Women of African-American heritage
• Women who have never had children 
    

Symptoms of Fibroid Tumors

Here are some symptoms to be aware of:

• Pelvic pain or abdominal pain that feels unfamiliar.
• If there's an increase in menstrual bleeding, or irregular vaginal bleeding
• Bleeding that contains blood clots
• If there's more frequent urination, or pressure on the bladder that creates the feeling that you need to urinate
• A frequent feeling of fullness in the lower abdominal area
• Weight gain, especially in the abdominal area.
• A change in size, shape or contour of the abdominal area.
• A feeling of pressure in the rectal area.
• Constipation and sometimes hemorroids.
• Emotional changes: unusual depression, irritability
• Fertility issues. A fertilized egg will sometimes not be able to attach to the uterus if that wall that contains fibroid tumors.

Conclusion

If you think you may have fibroid tumors, it’s it's a good idea to see a medical professional right away. Your doctor will probably do a pelvic exam and possibly recommend some other tests.

There are now options for dealing with fibroids that were not available just a few years ago. Medications and newer, less invasive surgical options can control the growth of the fibroids without the need for a hysterectomy.

If you seek treatment as soon as you know about your fibroids or possibility of fibroids, there is a greater chance of getting it treated early and possibly without surgery.