Fibroids are benign tumors within the uterus, and are also called myomata. They can cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and pressure, and miscarriages. There are also studies demonstrating that fibroids can compromise fertility in some women. The cause of fibroids is unknown; however, several treatment options are available, depending on the age of the patient, her fertility wishes, and her symptoms.
For women who have completed child-bearing, symptomatic fibroids can be treated by removing the uterus (hysterectomy) or performing uterine artery embolization (UAE), a procedure in which small synthetic materials are injected into the blood vessels feeding the fibroids, effectively blocking the blood supply. These techniques are not used in women trying to conceive. In these women, symptomatic or problematic fibroids can be removed surgically from the uterus, a procedure known as a myomectomy. These procedures can sometimes be performed through a hysteroscope while at other times an abdominal incision is required. Medications are sometimes used to temporarily shrink fibroids in preparation for surgery.
Different types of fibroid tumors
Camera view of pendunculated fibroid growing from the outside of the uterus into the abdominal cavity
Another example of a pedunculated fibroid growing outside the uterus
