Fibroids are a common health concern among women, especially those in their 30s and 40s. If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids, you might be wondering: Are fibroids cancerous? The short answer is no, fibroids are not cancerous. However, understanding what fibroids are and how they differ from cancerous tumors is essential for your health and peace of mind.
What Are Fibroids?
Fibroids, also known as uterine fibroids or leiomyomas, are benign (non-cancerous) growths that develop in or around the uterus. They are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and can vary in size, from as small as a pea to as large as a grapefruit.
Fibroids are very common, affecting up to 80% of women by the time they reach menopause. Despite their prevalence, they often go undiagnosed because many women experience mild or no symptoms. However, for others, fibroids can cause significant discomfort, including:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Frequent urination
- Pain during intercourse
- Bloating or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen
Are Fibroids Ever Cancerous?
The vast majority of fibroids are not cancerous. In rare cases, a type of cancer called leiomyosarcoma can develop in the uterus, but it is not the same as a fibroid. Leiomyosarcoma is extremely rare, occurring in fewer than one in 1,000 fibroid cases.
Unlike fibroids, cancerous tumors tend to:
- Grow rapidly over a short period
- Cause severe symptoms such as unexplained weight loss or extreme fatigue
- Spread to other parts of the body
Doctors may monitor fibroid growth with ultrasound or MRI if they suspect any abnormalities, but routine fibroids do not turn into cancer.
How Are Fibroids Diagnosed and Treated?
If you suspect you have fibroids, a specialist can diagnose them through a pelvic exam, ultrasound, or MRI. While fibroids do not require treatment unless they cause symptoms, options are available for those who experience pain, heavy bleeding, or other complications.
Common fibroid treatment options include:
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) – A minimally invasive procedure that shrinks fibroids by blocking their blood supply.
- Medication – Hormonal treatments can help manage symptoms but do not eliminate fibroids.
- Surgery – Procedures like myomectomy (fibroid removal) or hysterectomy (uterus removal) are options for severe cases.
When to See a Doctor
While fibroids are not cancerous, it’s important to consult a doctor if you experience:
- Rapidly growing fibroids
- Severe pain or heavy menstrual bleeding
- Difficulty urinating or frequent urination
- A noticeable mass in your abdomen
Early evaluation can help rule out other conditions and ensure you receive the best treatment for your symptoms.
Conclusion
Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that affect many women, but they do not turn into cancer. While rare, uterine sarcomas do exist, which is why regular checkups and monitoring are important if you have fibroids. If your fibroids are causing discomfort, minimally invasive treatments like UFE can provide relief without major surgery.
