According to Uterinefibroids.org, fibroid tumors--mistakenly referred to as fibroid cysts--are most often benign, or noncancerous, tumors that have developed in the uterus. Uterine fibroids are the most widespread type of gynecological tumor. They generally appear in premenopausal women. About one-fourth of women with fibroid tumors will require medical treatment to alleviate their symptoms.
Effects
Fibroid cysts get their name because they are literally a collection of fibrous tissues. These slow growing tumors can range in size from 1 mm to larger than 20 cm in length. Larger tumors can deform and increase the size of the uterus. In severe cases the uterus may enlarge to the point that it touches the rib cage. Fibroids are the No. 1 reason women undergo a hysterectomy.
Causes
It's unknown why fibroids develop when the female body starts to produce the hormone estrogen. During pregnancy these cysts typically grow more rapidly as estrogen levels rise. When a woman enters menopause, the subsequent loss of estrogen stunts the growth of fibroids, which may begin to shrivel.
In addition to hormonal causes, the Mayo Clinic says chemicals that support bodily tissues--insulin-type growth factor--and genetic alterations may also be factors in the development and growth of fibroids.
Symptoms
There are a number of possible symptoms to indicate the presence of fibroid cysts. They commonly include heavy menstrual flow and/or periods that continue beyond one week. There may be bladder-related issues including trouble urinating or urinating more frequently. Fibroid tumors may also cause leg, back and pelvic pain as well as constipation.
Types
Fibroid tumors are defined based on where in the uterus they develop. The most common type is intramural fibroids. These cysts sit in the wall of the uterus and may cause it to noticeably stick out.
The Mayo Clinic says submucosal fibroids grow in the center of the uterus and are thought to be responsible for heavy bleeding during menstruation. Submucosal fibroids may also be problematic for women who are trying to become pregnant.
Subserosal fibroids are the least symptomatic as they grow on the outside of the uterus. However depending on their specific location, they may place pressure on the bladder, rectum or spinal nerves causing associated discomfort.
Treatment
The National Institutes of Health, or NIH, says uterine fibroid treatment will depend on a number of things such as your age, the type of fibroids and whether you are pregnant or plan to become so. Oral contraceptives may help stop heavy menstrual bleeding.
Hormonal therapy--depot leuprolide injections--can temporarily reduce the size of fibroids. The treatment is effective for several months.
Procedures
An out-patient procedure to treat fibroids in the inner uterine cavity is called a hysteroscopic resection. With the use of a tiny camera, special surgical tools are placed through the cervix into the uterus to remove the fibroid tumors.
When medicinal treatments and other less invasive procedures have not been effective, a hysterectomy--surgery to remove a woman's uterus--may be considered to remove uterine fibroids.
