Uterine fibroids, which your doctor may call leiomyomas or myomas, are tumors made of muscle that can grow on your uterus. They rarely turn into cancer. And if you get them, it doesn’t mean you’re more likely to get uterine cancer.
Fibroids can vary a lot in size, shape, and location. They can show up in your uterus, uterine wall, or on its surface. They can also attach to your uterus by a stalk- or stem-like structure.
Some are so small that your doctor can’t even see them with the naked eye. Others grow in big masses that can affect the size and shape of your uterus.
Uterine fibroids usually appear when you’re of childbearing age – generally between 30 and 40 years old – but they can show up at any age. They’re more common in Black people than in White people. They also tend to show up earlier and grow quicker in Black people. Doctors don’t know why.
Uterine Fibroid vs. Polyp
Although they have similar symptoms, uterine fibroids and polyps are different. Uterine polyps are smaller and grow from the lining of the uterus. They can eventually block the opening of your fallopian tubes and stop you from getting pregnant. A small number of polyps, around 5%, turn out to be cancerous or have abnormal cells that are more likely to turn into cancer. It’s why most gynecologists suggest removing them. Treatments include medication, surgery, and watchful waiting to see if polyps get better on their own.
Types of Fibroids
The type of fibroids you have depends on where they grow or form.
Intramural fibroid
This type of fibroid grows within the wall of your uterus.
Submucosal fibroids
When a fibroid grows into your uterine cavity, doctors call it submucosal.
Subserosal fibroid
This type of fibroid happens on the outside of your uterus.
At times, submucosal or subserosal fibroids may hang from a stalk inside or outside of your uterus (called pedunculated).
Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids
Fibroids may cause very mild symptoms, no symptoms at all, or symptoms that are serious. The most common symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
- Heavy, long, or painful periods
- Pain in the lower belly or back
- Painful sex
- Peeing often
- Discomfort in the rectum
Causes of Uterine Fibroids
Experts don’t know exactly why you get fibroids. Hormones and genetics might make you more likely to get them.
Hormones. Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones that make the lining of your uterus thicken every month during your period. They also seem to affect fibroid growth. When hormone production slows down during menopause, fibroids usually shrink.
Genetics. Researchers have found genetic differences between fibroids and normal cells in the uterus.
Other growth factors. Substances in your body that help with tissue upkeep, such as insulin-like growth factor, may play a part in fibroid growth.
Extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM makes your cells stick together. Fibroids have more ECM than normal cells, which makes them fibrous or ropey. ECM also stores growth factors (substances that spur cell growth) and causes cells to change.
Uterine Fibroid Risk Factors
A few things can raise your chances of getting uterine fibroids, such as:
- Age
- Race
- Getting your period at a young age
- Birth control pill use before age 16
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Eating too much red meat and not enough green vegetables, fruit, or dairy
- Alcohol
- Family history
Source: webmd.com
