12/04/06

Fibroid Tumors

 Uterine fibroids have a devastating impact on a woman’s life.  They are the most common benign tumors of the reproductive system.  Fibroids tumors affect a startling 50% to 75% of all African American women.  The mere mention of fibroids in a room full of African American women and chances are more than one will share their stories about suffering with fibroid tumors.  However, there is hope and help for this condition.  These conversations are often enlightening and educational to women that are indeed suffering with fibroids.

 What are uterine fibroids?

Leiomyomas is the term but also called myomas and fibroids are benign, slow-growing solid tumors of the uterus with their own blood supply.  They present as single or multiple growths of different sizes and shapes.  The most common types are intramural, sub mucosal, and subserosal, meaning they can form and grow on the inside, outside and within the uterus.