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Uterine fibroids are among the most common tumors of the female genital tract, occurring in 20 percent to 25 percent of women of childbearing age, and 50 percent of African-American women.
Fibroids are benign (noncancerous), and range in size from extremely small to the size of a canteloupe or larger. In some instances, they cause the uterus to expand to the size of a five-month pregnancy or more.
The three fibroid types include:
- intramural fibroids develop within the uterine wall and then expand. They are the most common type of fibroids
- subserosal fibroids develop under the outside covering of the uterus and expand outward through the wall
- submucosal fibroids are located deep within the uterus, just under the lining of the uterine cavity
To determine the presence of fibroids, a doctor will conduct a pelvic examination to see if the uterus is enlarged. The presence of fibroids can be confirmed using an ultrasound and, on occasion, a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test.
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Abnormal bleeding, usually during menstruation
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Severe menstrual cramping
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Abnormally enlarged abdomen
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see more signs
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