They are known interchangeably as fibroids, fibromyomas, leiomyomas, or just plain old myomas. They can vary from the size of a pea to larger than a basketball . Decades ago, when women were less likely to seek medical attention for pelvic disorders, doctors frequently saw fibroids that were the size of full-term pregnancies.
You may find it surprising when your gynecologist first describes the size of your fibroid in the terms of a growing fetus. Your doctor may tell you that your fibroid is the size of a 12-, 14-, or 17-week pregnancy. The largest fibroid ever removed is reported to have weighed an astounding 140 pounds!