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.
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