Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that can develop:
- Within the uterine cavity
- Within the muscular wall of the uterus
- On the surface of the uterus
They are the single most common reason for hysterectomies in the United States. It is estimated that between 200,000 to 500,000 hysterectomies are performed each year because of fibroid tumors. Fibroids are the most common noncancerous tumor in women of reproductive age. They are the source of a broad spectrum of pelvic problems, which range from chronic pain to excessive and unpredictable uterine bleeding.