A benign smooth muscle neoplasm arising from the body of the uterus. It is characterized by the presence of spindle cells with cigar-shaped nuclei, interlacing fascicles, and a whorled pattern.
Uterine fibroids are the most common non-cancerous tumors in women of childbearing age. Fibroids are made of muscle cells and other tissues that grow in and around the wall of the uterus, or womb. The cause of fibroids is unknown. Risk factors include being african-american or being overweight. Many women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms. If you have symptoms, they may include
heavy or painful periods or bleeding between periods
feeling "full" in the lower abdomen
pain during sex
lower back pain
reproductive problems, such as infertility, multiple miscarriages or early labor
most women with fibroids can get pregnant naturally. For those who cannot, infertility treatments may help. Treatment for uterine fibroids includes medicines that can slow or stop their growth, or surgery. If you have no symptoms, you may not even need treatment. nih: national institute of child health and human development