Uterine Fibroids
(Benign Tumors Of The Uterus)
Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD
Medical Editor: William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR
Previous contributing medical author: Leon Baginski, MD, FACOG
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids (also referred to as uterine leiomyomata, uterine
leiomyomas, or uterine myomas) are benign tumors that originate in the uterus
(womb). Although they are composed of the same smooth muscle fibers as the
uterine wall (myometrium), they are many times denser than normal myometrium.
Uterine fibroids are usually round or semi-round in shape.
Uterine fibroids are often described based upon their
location within the uterus. Subserosal fibroids are located beneath the serosa
(the lining membrane on the outside of the organ). These often appear localized
on the outside surface of the uterus or may be attached to the outside surface
by a pedicle. Submucosal (submucous) fibroids are located inside the uterine
cavity beneath the lining of the uterus. Intramural fibroids are located within
the muscular
wall of the uterus.
Why do women develop uterine fibroids and how common are they?
We do not know exactly why women develop these tumors.
Genetic abnormalities,
alterations in growth factor (proteins formed in the
body that direct the rate and extent of cell proliferation) expression, abnormalities in the vascular
(blood vessel) system, and tissue response to injury have all been suggested to
play a role in the development of fibroids.
Family history is a
key factor, since there is often a history of fibroids developing in women of
the same family. Race also appears to play a role. Women of African descent are
two to three times more likely to develop fibroids than women of other races.
Pregnancy and taking oral contraceptives both decrease the
likelihood that fibroids will develop. Fibroids have not been observed in girls
who have not reached puberty, but adolescent girls may rarely develop fibroids.
Overall, these tumors are fairly common and occur in up
to 50% of all women. Most of the time, uterine fibroids do not cause symptoms or
problems, and a woman with a fibroid is usually unaware of its presence.
Next: What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids? »
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