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Information about uterine fibroids
Minimally Invasive Therapy Unit & Endoscopy Training Centre
University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
Royal Free Hospital
Pond Street
Hampstead
London NW3 2QG, UK |
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What are fibroids
Uterine
leiomyomata, often referred to as fibroids, are tumours
of the uterus (womb). They are very common and can be
asymptomatic. Fibroids tend to be multiple and can be
situated inside the cavity of the uterus, in the wall
or outside (see diagram). In some cases, they can grow
to a very large size.
No one knows why they develop, but it is well established
that the female hormone oestrogen makes them
enlarge; this is why fibroids are usually diagnosed
when women are in their 30's and 40's, and why
they shrink after the menopause.
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MEDICAL NOTES
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Uterine size
When describing an enlarged uterus, doctors often equate
the size of the uterus to the gestation (age in weeks)
of a normal pregnancy.When the uterus is relatively
small, and cannot be felt in the abdomen, uterine size
can be compared to common fruits:
Gestation |
Uterus |
4
weeks |
Plum |
6
weeks |
Mandarin |
8
weeks |
Apple |
10
weeks |
Orange |
12
weeks |
Grapefruit |
When the uterus can be felt in the abdomen, the following
rules are often applied, the reference point being
the top of the womb:
Gestation |
Uterus |
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Pubic
hair |
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Half
way to umbilicus |
20
weeks |
At
level of umbilicus |
24
weeks |
Half
way between umbilicus and chest |
28
weeks |
At
level of chest |
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