#Health info: What Is Fibroid?

Fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) tumors that grow from the muscle layers of the uterus (womb). They are also known as uterine fibroids, myomas, or fibromyomas. The singular of uterine fibroids is Uterine Fibroma. Fibroids are growths of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue. Fibroids can vary in size, from that of a bean to as large as a melon.

Fibroids affect at least 20% of all women at sometime during their life. Women aged between 30 and 50 are the most likely to develop fibroids. Overweight and obese women are at significantly higher risk of developing fibroids, compared to women of normal weight.

Malignant (cancerous) growths on the smooth muscles inside the womb can develop, called leiomyosarcoma of the womb. However, this is extremely rare.

There are 4 types of fibroids

Intramural
These are located in the wall of the uterus. These are the most common types of fibroids.

Subserosal fibroids
 These are located outside the wall of the uterus. They can develop into pedunculated fibroids (stalks). Subserosal fibroids can become quite large.

Submucosal fibroids
These are located in the muscle beneath the lining of the uterus wall.

Cervical fibroids
These are located in the neck of the womb (the cervix).

Information from Medical News Today.