Fibroids are abnormal growths that develop in or on a woman’s uterus. Sometimes these tumours become quite large and cause severe abdominal pain and heavy periods. In other cases, they cause no signs or symptoms at all.
The growths are typically benign, or noncancerous. The cause of fibroids is unknown. Fibroids are also known by the following names:
• Leiomyomas
• Myomas
• Uterine Myomas
• Fibromas
The size, shape and location of the fibroids can vary from one woman to another. They can be found in the outer wall of the uterus, inside the uterus or attached to it like a stem. A woman can have just one fibroid or many of various sizes. It can remain small and suddenly grow rapidly over the years.