Fibroid tumors, more commonly called uterine fibroids, are noncancerous growths that are common in women during their childbearing years, according to the National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus encyclopedia. The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, though the female hormones estrogen and progesterone are considered factors in their development. Some women experience pain, excessive bleeding or frequent spotting between menstrual periods if they have fibroids, but many women have no symptoms at all. For those who are symptomatic, doctors can offer an array of treatments.
Watchful Waiting
Fibroid tumors aren't cancerous, nor a precursor to cancer. They rarely affect pregnancies, according to the Mayo Clinic's online uterine fibroid web page, and they frequently shrink by themselves after women who have them go through menopause. In addition, uterine fibroids may be asymptomatic or just cause minor inconvenience due to spotting between periods. In these cases, instead of actively treating the fibroid, a gynecologist or family physician may adopt the practice called watchful waiting, in which the physician takes the opportunity afforded by the patient's regular annual visit to examine the fibroid to be sure it isn't growing and causing trouble.
Drugs
Medline Plus notes that uterine fibroids may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pain and cramping, and interference with urination. If the symptoms are severe, one choice for treatment is medications that help regulate the menstrual cycle, such as oral contraceptives or progestin-releasing intrauterine devices that reduce the bleeding and help control pain. Iron supplements can be taken to address iron deficiencies from excess bleeding and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen for pain relief. For short-term help in shrinking fibroids, hormone therapy may be prescribed, according to Medline Plus.
Surgery
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, uterine fibroids---which may also be called leiomyomas---may require active treatment if they are causing problems because of their size, number or location. One option is surgery. While hysterectomies, or the complete removal of the uterus, are a common choice, other surgical procedures may also be appropriate. These include myomectomies, which are the surgical removal of fibroids while leaving the uterus in place; endometrial ablations of the lining of the uterus; and uterine artery embolizations, which block some blood vessels in the uterus so fibroids can't continue to grow.
A newer, non-invasive approach, according to ACOG, is Magnetic Resonance Imaging--Guided Ultrasound Surgery, in which ultrasound waves are directed through the skin to destroy fibroids.
Diet and Lifestyle
According to the National Uterine Fibroid Foundation website, consuming fruits, green vegetables and fish may help prevent fibroids. On the other hand, eating red meats and ham is actually a risk factor in the development of these tumors. Finally, maintaining a healthy weight is also a good idea; fibroids occur more frequently in obese women, though the exact relationship is unclear.
