Before and after'' pictures of fibroid removal

Uterine fibroids, also referred to as leiomyomas or myomas, are growths in the uterus or on the uterine wall. They vary in size from smaller than a pinhead to the size of a watermelon or bigger.

The vast majority of uterine fibroids are benign (not cancerous).

Fibroids are fairly common, affecting up to 80% of people with uteruses by 50 years of age.

While fibroids are often asymptomatic and do not require attention, symptoms are present in 20%–50% of cases and may require treatment.

While surgery is an option for the treatment of fibroids, not everyone who needs or wants treatment for fibroids has to have surgery.

Laparoscopic myomectomy

Other less-invasive options are available.

This article discusses surgery options for uterine fibroids.

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

When Surgery Is Necessary

When determining treatment options and whether surgery is necessary, some important factors need to be considered, including:

• A person's age
• The severity of their symptoms
• Where their fibroids are located
• How many fibroids they have

The National Institute for

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