Fibroid Tumor: Something that every women should know about.

Generally know as Uterine fibroids, myomas or fibromyomas, fibroid tumors are non-cancerous tumors formed by the muscle layers of the uterus. Growth of smooth muscles and fibrous tissues forms Uterine Fibroma. Women between the age of 30 to 50 are most likely to develop fibroids. Tumor may start to form in women when they are in their 20s but symptoms can only be seen in late 30s or 40s. Fibroids increases in size during the pregnancy period since the level of estrogens rises. Generally after the menopause the growth of tumor decreases due to the fall in the level of estrogens. Categorised into 4 types: Intramural- Most common type of fibroids located in the wall of the uterus. Subserosal fibroids-Found on the wall of the uterus. They can become large since they develop into pedunculated fibroids or stalks. Submucosal fibroids- Found in the muscle beneath the lining of uterus wall. Cervical fibroids-Found on the neck of the cervix. Bleeding, backache, frequent urination, pain during sex and longer menstrual cycles, this all are small symptoms or indication of formation of tumor. Fibroids can be diagnosed by pelvic exam or ultrasound. Other techniques such as CT (computer tomography) or MR (Magnetic Resonance) also helps, and they are painless methods to diagnose. Sometimes Diagnostic Hysteroscopy can be used to know the presence of Submucosal Fibroids. This can be painful and can cause discomfort and hence it can be performed with local anesthesia. A new minimally invasive procedure for the treatment of fibroid tumors is Fibroid embolization or Uterine artery embolization, which is performed by a trained physician and interventional radiologist. Patient feels sedated and drowsy and no pain. Even though fibroid tumors are generally non-cancerous, in some extreme cases they can lead to a type of cancer called Leiomyosarcoma, which occurs in one of every 1000 women.