Ask An Expert: Uterine Fibroids

Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School

Ask An Expert: Uterine Fibroids

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Question:

What is a calcified uterine fibroid?

Answer:

Fibroids are noncancerous tumors that grow from the muscular layer of the uterus. They form a separate mass of dense tissue that distorts the normally smooth and uniform uterine wall. A single fibroid may be present or a uterus may contain several tumors. Fibroids range in size from barely visible up to several inches in diameter.

Over time, fibroids may collect deposits of calcium and develop a gritty texture. The exact cause of this calcification is unknown, but it may be related to the degeneration of tissue that happens when the tumor outgrows its blood supply. Calcified fibroids may have a distinct appearance on an ultrasound, but they are not treated differently from other fibroids.

Fibroids occur in at least 25% of women. They usually cause no symptoms and require no treatment. If symptoms such as pelvic pain and excessive menstrual bleeding occur, fibroids are readily treated. Several options, including both medical and surgical treatments, are available. The best approach is specific to the particular woman's needs.

Joan Bengtson, M.D., is assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive biology at Harvard Medical School and a member of the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproduction at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

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Last updated:	June 07, 2007

Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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