Fibroids

This chapter provides the background information of fibroids, and discusses its prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas or myomas) are abnormal growths of smooth muscle that arise from the myometrial layer of the uterus. They are classified based on their location within the myometrium. Intramural fibroids are located within the uterine wall. Submucosal myomas protrude into the endometrial cavity. Subserosal myomas are attached to the outer layer of the uterus. Cervical myomas are located in the cervix. No interventions have been demonstrated to prevent the development of the disease. Vitamin D supplementation and progesterone modulators are under investigation and show promising results in the prevention of uterine fibroids. Bimanual pelvic examination and pelvic ultrasound are primary screening modalities. Hormonal therapies, such as combined oral contraceptive pills, may be associated with decreased menstrual bleeding and are used as first-line treatment.