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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LATEST NEWS

A new website for gynaecologists interested in the surgical management of fibroids is now on line.

www.fibroidsurgery.org

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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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

12 weeks

Pubic hair

16 weeks

Half way to umbilicus
20 weeks
At level of umbilicus
24 weeks
Half way between umbilicus and chest
28 weeks
At level of chest