Leiomyomas of the Uterus Leiomyomas of the Uterus - Fibroid Tumors Uterine fibroid tumors are noncancerous growths in the uterus. Frequently found in women between the ages 30-45, fibroids are the most common type of abnormal pelvic growth in women. They account for about one quarter of all hysterectomies performed in the United States each year. Types and Symptoms Fibroids develop from cells in the wall of the uterus. Tumors that grow within the uterine wall rarely produce symptoms if they are small.
Fibroids can also grow beneath the uterine lining.
As they expand, they can stretch the endometrium, causing heavy menstrual bleeding and severe pain as the uterus tries to expel the mass. Even small fibroids in this location may cause these symptoms. Some fibroids grow beneath the outside covering of the uterus, or appear to be attached by a stemlike structure to the uterus. All these tumors can grow much larger than the uterus itself. Large uterine fibroids can cause pain, constipation, frequency of urination and increased menstrual pain and irregularity.