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Fibroids
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.
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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.
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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.
©
The Internet Health Library 2000
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