Are fibroids cancerous?
Fibroids, also known as uterine myomas, are noncancerous growths that develop in and around the uterus.
They are a common occurrence in women of reproductive age, with an estimated 80% of women developing them by the age of 50.
Despite their prevalence, many women may not experience any symptoms and may never know that they have fibroids.
It's natural to automatically assume you have cancer when you hear that you have growths inside you. However, let's go over the facts so you can better understand the condition.
The vast majority of fibroids are not cancerous.
It is very rare for fibroids to be cancerous. Womenshealth.gov says that less than one in 1,000 will turn out to be cancerous, a term called leiomyosarcoma.
Having fibroids does not elevate the likelihood of developing a cancerous fibroid. And, the presence of fibroids does not make you more likely to develop other forms of uterine cancer.
How quickly do fibroids grow?
Fibroids can grow slowly, taking years to develop, or they can grow quickly in a matter of months. The rate of growth can vary significantly from one woman to another; it depends on several factors, including age, hormone levels, and genetics.
Dispelling other myths about fibroids
Only older women get fibroids.
Women of any age can get fibroids, and the condition can develop at any time. However, because hormone levels are decreased during menopause, it makes it less likely to develop these benign tumors after this time.
Dietary changes can cure fibroids.
Be careful of services talking about herbal medicine and diets that can cure fibroids. Uterine fibroid embolization is a research-backed procedure that treats fibroids very successfully.
Is adenomyosis cancerous?
Adenomyosis is a condition where the inner lining of the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, causing pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Although it is not cancerous, it can still disrupt the quality of life for those affected. Symptoms of adenomyosis are similar to those of endometriosis, which is when the tissue lining the uterus grows outside of it.
Are calcified fibroids a form of cancer in the uterus?
No they are not. Calcified fibroids are a type of uterine fibroid that has undergone a process called calcification, where dead tissue becomes hardened and forms a solid mass. These fibroids can be detected through various imaging techniques such as ultrasounds or CT scans. While calcified fibroids are generally considered benign, they can cause discomfort and pain for some women.
Florida Vascular Specialists treats fibroids with uterine fibroid embolization.
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