Are fibroids tumours?

Just In
Are uterine fibroids a type of tumor?
Yes. Uterine fibroids are a type of tumor. In fact, these are the most common type of reproductive tumors. In most cases, they are non-cancerous or benign. They are composed of abnormal muscle cells that come together and form a fibrous mass within the uterus. Their cause is not yet known; however, it is believed that genetics play a vital role.

Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

The website of Office on Women’s Health reports that the most cases of fibroids are found among women aged between 40 to 50-55 years of age. By the time women reach the age of 50, nearly 20-80 percent of them get fibroids. In this article, we will discuss about fibroids, why they are considered as tumours, and whether they can be cancerous.

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are the most common tumours of the reproductive tract. They develop in the uterus and are made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. They are almost always noncancerous or benign, and cancerous fibroids are rare. Their size can vary from person to person and in one person if more than one fibroid is present. The etiology of fibroids is unknown, and genetics seem to play a role. Fibroids can cause certain symptoms, such as abnormal uterine bleeding, pelvic pressure, increased urine frequency, bowel dysfunction, urinary retention, low back pain, constipation, and painful intercourse or dyspareunia. Treatment depends on the severity and can involve embolization, laparoscopic removal, etc. 

Why are fibroids considered to be tumours?

Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas or myomas) are the most common benign tumours in women.  They are composed of abnormal muscle cells that come together and form a fibrous mass within the uterus. Their nature is mostly benign or non-cancerous, and they have a monoclonal (produced by the cells derived from a single cell) origin.  

Can fibroid tumours be cancerous?

In most cases, they are non-cancerous tumours that grow in the uterus. Their size is variable, ranging from tiny to very large. Generally, they do not cause any symptoms. However, in rare cases, the tumour present in the uterus turns out to be cancerous, and such cases will require immediate treatment. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, in almost all cases, fibroids are non-cancerous or benign. However, in rare cases, i.e., in less than one in 1000 cases, a cancerous fibroid can happen. 

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

History
First published on:

More in

Questions
Fact Check
Interviews
Stories
Videos
Are uterine fibroids a type of tumor?
Yes. Uterine fibroids are a type of tumor. In fact, these are the most common type of reproductive tumors. In most cases, they are non-cancerous or benign. They are composed of abnormal muscle cells that come together and form a fibrous mass within the uterus. Their cause is not yet known; however, it is believed that genetics play a vital role.

Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Are uterine fibroids a type of tumor?
Yes. Uterine fibroids are a type of tumor. In fact, these are the most common type of reproductive tumors. In most cases, they are non-cancerous or benign. They are composed of abnormal muscle cells that come together and form a fibrous mass within the uterus. Their cause is not yet known; however, it is believed that genetics play a vital role.

Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Are uterine fibroids a type of tumor?
Yes. Uterine fibroids are a type of tumor. In fact, these are the most common type of reproductive tumors. In most cases, they are non-cancerous or benign. They are composed of abnormal muscle cells that come together and form a fibrous mass within the uterus. Their cause is not yet known; however, it is believed that genetics play a vital role.

Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Are uterine fibroids a type of tumor?
Yes. Uterine fibroids are a type of tumor. In fact, these are the most common type of reproductive tumors. In most cases, they are non-cancerous or benign. They are composed of abnormal muscle cells that come together and form a fibrous mass within the uterus. Their cause is not yet known; however, it is believed that genetics play a vital role.

Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Are uterine fibroids a type of tumor?
Yes. Uterine fibroids are a type of tumor. In fact, these are the most common type of reproductive tumors. In most cases, they are non-cancerous or benign. They are composed of abnormal muscle cells that come together and form a fibrous mass within the uterus. Their cause is not yet known; however, it is believed that genetics play a vital role.

Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

More in

Questions
Fact Check
Interviews
Stories
Videos
Are uterine fibroids a type of tumor?
Yes. Uterine fibroids are a type of tumor. In fact, these are the most common type of reproductive tumors. In most cases, they are non-cancerous or benign. They are composed of abnormal muscle cells that come together and form a fibrous mass within the uterus. Their cause is not yet known; however, it is believed that genetics play a vital role.

Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Are uterine fibroids a type of tumor?
Yes. Uterine fibroids are a type of tumor. In fact, these are the most common type of reproductive tumors. In most cases, they are non-cancerous or benign. They are composed of abnormal muscle cells that come together and form a fibrous mass within the uterus. Their cause is not yet known; however, it is believed that genetics play a vital role.

Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Are uterine fibroids a type of tumor?
Yes. Uterine fibroids are a type of tumor. In fact, these are the most common type of reproductive tumors. In most cases, they are non-cancerous or benign. They are composed of abnormal muscle cells that come together and form a fibrous mass within the uterus. Their cause is not yet known; however, it is believed that genetics play a vital role.

Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Are uterine fibroids a type of tumor?
Yes. Uterine fibroids are a type of tumor. In fact, these are the most common type of reproductive tumors. In most cases, they are non-cancerous or benign. They are composed of abnormal muscle cells that come together and form a fibrous mass within the uterus. Their cause is not yet known; however, it is believed that genetics play a vital role.

Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Are uterine fibroids a type of tumor?
Yes. Uterine fibroids are a type of tumor. In fact, these are the most common type of reproductive tumors. In most cases, they are non-cancerous or benign. They are composed of abnormal muscle cells that come together and form a fibrous mass within the uterus. Their cause is not yet known; however, it is believed that genetics play a vital role.

Last Updated on January 6, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

- Advertisement -spot_img
Dr. Shikha Shiromani
Dr. Shikha Shiromani
A dental surgeon by education and medical writer by profession, Shikha is passionate to bring her knowledge and experience in busting the myths around medicine and health. At THIP, she is involved in researching, fact-checking and answering all kinds of questions related to health.
Read More