Fibroids

• Fibroids are benign tumors arising from the uterine myometrium • They are also referred to as myomas, fibromyoma, leiomyoma • Usually develop slowly in women between the ages of 25 and 40 • Rarely become malignant • The growth of fibroids is stimulated by ovarian hormones especially estrogen • Tend to disappear after menopause • May be asymptomatic or symptomatic • Common in African women that white • Incidence is high in the nulliparous aged between 35-50 years. FIBROIDS: Classification based on location 1. Intramural fibroids (interstitial) • Are fibroids located within the myometrium 2. Submucosal fibroids • Are fibroids located in the submucosa of the uterus and usually protrude into the cavity of the uterus • They may become pedunculated i.e. grow on a stalk 3. Subserosal fibroid • Are fibroids that protrude through the outer surface of the uterine wall • They may extend to the broad ligament hence intraligamentous fibroids • Tends to become pedunculated, and they may break from the pedicle and attach to other tissues FIBROIDS: Classification based on location 4. Intraligametary fibroids • Are fibroids located on the pelvic ligaments (broad ligaments) • They may displace the uterus or involve the uterus 5. Cervical fibroids • Are fibroids located in the cervix. They can close the cervical OS 6. Wandering or parasitic fibroids Are fibroids that breaks off from a pedunculated fibroid