Fibroids are noncancerous tumor that grows in uterus. Fibroids are found to occur in the muscle tissue of uterus, either in the uterine cavity or in the surface of uterus. The tumor may grow as a single one or can be found in clusters. Fibroids is found to be the major cause of hysterectomy i.e. removal of the uterus world wide.

Fibroids are very common. In the world 25 percent of women have signs of fibroids; not
all of these women have symptoms of their fibroids.

Types of fibroids:

Fibroids are classified as follows depending on their position in uterus-

1. Intramural fibroids are seen in the wall of the uterus. This is the most commonly found type of fibroids.

2. Subserous fibroids are seen in the outer layer of the uterus wall. These tend to grow larger. They can also grow out in a papillary manner to become pedunculated fibroids.

3. Submucous fibroids are seen in the muscle under the inner lining of the uterus. They tend to grow longer.

4. Cervical fibroids are seen in the wall of the cervix and cannot be removed easily. Surgerical procedure to remove this type of fibroids can cause damage to the surrounding area.

Fibroids are almost benign and do not turn into cancer. But in very rare cases it is possible and is called leiomyosarcoma. Having fibroids is no way linked to increased risk of having cancer in uterus or in other part of your body.