A fibroid is a muscular tumor of the uterus and develops from the wall of the uterus and can develop into the uterine cavity (called a submucosal fibroid), within the wall of the uterus (called an intramural fibroid), or outside of the uterus (called a subserosal fibroid). They can even develop as an outpouching connected to the uterus by a stalk, much like a mushroom (called a pedunculated fibroid). The medical term for it is a leiomyoma or myoma.
They commonly occur, particularly in a woman’s 30s or 40s, and usually shrink down after she reaches menopause. Risks for developing fibroids include a positive family history of them, African American race, obesity, and a diet rich in red meat. Fibroids typically don’t bother women, but if they are large can cause pain, particularly during periods. Large fibroids can also complicate fertility and the normal course of pregnancy.
Other symptoms include heavy menstrual periods, full-ness in the pelvis, abdominal enlargement, pain during intercourse, and low back pain. Fibroids, by definition, are not cancer and we do not think they can develop into a cancer. However, there is a type of muscular cancer of the uterus, called a leiomyosarcoma, which can sometimes present as a previously diagnosed fibroid that appears to grow far too quickly.