Benign Tumor In The Uterus Fibroid Quizlet and Fibroids: What to Know

If you’ve ever seen the phrase “benign tumor in the uterus” on study platforms like Quizlet, it’s referring to uterine fibroids—also called leiomyomas. These are noncancerous growths of muscle and fibrous tissue that form in or on the uterus. They’re incredibly common and, for many people, harmless. For others, fibroids can cause heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain, or fertility challenges. Here’s what to know, grounded in guidance from trusted sources such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are benign (noncancerous) growths that arise from the muscle wall of the uterus. They can vary in number and size—from tiny seedlings to masses that enlarge the uterus. Fibroids are named by where they grow:

• Intramural: within the uterine wall
• Submucosal: bulging into the uterine cavity
• Subserosal: projecting to the outside of the uterus

By age 50, most people with a uterus will have fibroids, though many never know it because they’re asymptomatic. Importantly, fibroids are not cancer and do not increase the risk of uterine cancer; cancerous tumors of the uterus muscle (leiomyosarcomas) are rare and are not thought to arise from fibroids. Sources: NIH MedlinePlus; Eunice Kennedy Shriver NICHD.

Symptoms: When Fibroids Matter

Many fibroids cause no symptoms and are discovered during routine pelvic exams or imaging. When symptoms occur, they may include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding (sometimes with clots)
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation
• Back or leg pain
• Difficulty getting pregnant or miscarriages, especially with submucosal fibroids

Heavy bleeding can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, or dizziness. Speak with a clinician if you have these symptoms. Sources: ACOG; NIH MedlinePlus.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Risk factors include being in your 30s to 50s (reproductive years), family history, earlier age at first period, and higher body mass index. Fibroids are more common and often more symptomatic among Black women. Diets higher in red meat and lower in green vegetables have been associated with increased risk in some studies. Sources: NICHD; NIH MedlinePlus.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically starts with a pelvic exam and ultrasound. When more detail is needed, clinicians may order:

• Sonohysterography (saline infusion ultrasound) to evaluate the uterine cavity
• MRI for size, number, and location—useful for planning treatment
• Hysteroscopy to view and possibly treat fibroids inside the cavity

There’s no routine blood test that “proves” fibroids, but labs may assess anemia from heavy bleeding. Source: ACOG.

Treatment Options: From Watchful Waiting to Procedures

The best approach depends on your symptoms, fibroid size and location, age, pregnancy goals, and personal preferences. Not all fibroids require treatment.

Watchful Waiting

If fibroids are small and asymptomatic, regular check-ins may be all that’s needed. Fibroids often shrink after menopause. Source: NIH MedlinePlus.

Medications

• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) may ease cramps but don’t shrink fibroids.
• Hormonal contraceptives (pills, patch, ring) can reduce bleeding and cramps.
• Levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) can significantly reduce heavy menstrual bleeding; suitability depends on fibroid size/location. Source: ACOG.
• Tranexamic acid is a non-hormonal option taken during menses to reduce bleeding; FDA-approved for heavy menstrual bleeding. Source: FDA.
• GnRH agonists/antagonists lower estrogen/progesterone to shrink fibroids and reduce bleeding. Short-term use is common due to side effects such as bone loss and hot flashes. FDA-approved combinations include elagolix/estradiol/norethindrone (Oriahnn) and relugolix/estradiol/norethindrone (Myfembree) for heavy menstrual bleeding due to fibroids in premenopausal women.

Minimally Invasive and Surgical Procedures

• Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE): Interventional radiologists block blood flow to fibroids, shrinking them and easing symptoms. Many people resume normal activities within days. Fertility after UFE is possible but data are mixed; discuss goals with your clinician. Source: MedlinePlus: Uterine artery embolization.
• Radiofrequency ablation (RFA): Heat energy destroys fibroid tissue via laparoscopic or transcervical approaches. Recovery is typically quick. Source: ACOG.
• MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS): Noninvasive ultrasound beams heat and destroy targeted fibroid tissue under MRI guidance. Availability varies. Source: MedlinePlus.
• Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids while preserving the uterus. Can be hysteroscopic (for submucosal), laparoscopic, or open. Preferred for many patients who wish to maintain fertility. Source: ACOG.
• Hysterectomy: Removal of the uterus, which definitively treats fibroids and bleeding but ends fertility. Considered when other treatments fail or aren’t appropriate. Source: NIH MedlinePlus.

Fertility, Pregnancy, and Fibroids

Most people with fibroids can conceive and carry a pregnancy. That said, fibroids—particularly those that distort the uterine cavity (submucosal)—may contribute to infertility or miscarriage. During pregnancy, fibroids can grow or cause pain, and in some cases are linked to preterm birth, malpresentation, or cesarean delivery. If you’re planning pregnancy and have symptomatic fibroids, ask whether treatment (often hysteroscopic myomectomy for cavity-distorting fibroids) could improve outcomes. Sources: ACOG; NICHD.

Myths vs. Facts

• Myth: All fibroids require surgery. Fact: Many need no treatment; medications and minimally invasive options can control symptoms.
• Myth: Fibroids turn into cancer. Fact: Fibroids are benign and do not become cancer; uterine sarcomas are rare and separate conditions.
• Myth: Hysterectomy is the only cure. Fact: While definitive, hysterectomy is one of several options; choice should reflect your goals and health status.

When to See a Clinician

Book an appointment if you experience any of the following:

• Heavy bleeding that soaks a pad or tampon every hour for several hours
• Periods lasting longer than 7 days
• Pelvic pain or pressure that affects daily life
• Unexplained anemia symptoms (fatigue, lightheadedness)
• Infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss
• New or rapidly enlarging pelvic mass, especially after menopause

Your clinician can tailor a plan based on your symptoms and reproductive goals, often in collaboration with gynecology, interventional radiology, or fertility specialists.

Key Takeaways

• “Benign tumor in the uterus” describes a fibroid (leiomyoma)—common and usually noncancerous.
• Treatment ranges from watchful waiting to medications and procedures; the right choice depends on symptoms and goals.
• Seek care for heavy bleeding, anemia, bothersome pressure or pain, or fertility concerns.

This article is for educational purposes and does not replace personalized medical advice. For more information, see resources from NIH MedlinePlus, NICHD, ACOG, and the FDA.