fibroid

a type of BENIGN tumour found in the UTERUS , composed of fibrous and muscular tissue and varying in size from 1 or 2 mm to a mass weighing several kilograms. They more commonly occur in childless women and those over the age of 35. Fibroids may present no problems but, alternatively, can be the cause of pain, heavy and irregular menstrual bleeding, urine retention or frequency of MICTURITION and sterility. Fibroids can be removed surgically but often the complete removal of the UTERUS ( HYSTERECTOMY ) is carried out.