What are Fibroids?
Fibroids are solid, whitish benign tumours composed of muscle and fibrous tissue, which grow on the uterus.
Their cause is unknown. They are unusual before the age of 30 and do not begin to develop after the menopause. They are more common in women who have not had children.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms produced by fibroids vary according to their size and situation. Most fibroids are symptom less. However, one of the commonest symptoms is heavy periods, which last longer than usual and can lead to anaemia.
Sometimes pain is felt low down in the abdomen, although it may be felt as a dull low backache, or during intercourse.
Large fibroids may be felt on abdominal examination. Smaller tumours are detected by vaginal examination. Ultrasound can reveal the size and position of any fibroids. A D & C (dilation and curettage) may be given as a confirmatory examination.
Treatment
If the patient is quite young and would like to have children, small fibroids are generally left alone. However, if the symptoms are troublesome, or the patient does not want anymore children the gynaecologist may try and remove the fibroids from the uterus.
Picture of Fibroids
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