Fibroids

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Fibroids are benign (non-malignant) tumours of the womb. Fibroids are present in 20 per cent of women of reproductive age, but it is uncommon for them to be detected in women under 30.

They are growths of smooth muscle and fibrous tissue, of widely varying size, but they may become very large. They may lie just under the inner lining, or deep in the muscle wall, or near the outer surface. Occasionally they are almost free inside the womb and are attached by a narrow stalk. They are enclosed in fibrous capsules and do not spread to other parts of the body. Often several occur together.

In very rare cases, malignant (cancerous) growths on the smooth muscles inside the womb can develop, called leiomyosarcoma of the uterus.

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