Fibroids are tumors, usually benign, that can form in the uterine wall. Most commonly, these growths are small and may not even cause any symptoms. But they can also grow into large masses that may cause pain, excessive bleeding, or even distortion of the uterus and nearby organs. When the tumors are benign and the symptoms are painless, treatment may not be necessary. But when uterine fibroids grow and symptoms worsen, medical or surgical treatment may be advisable. Patients who meet certain criteria, may have the option of a non-invasive procedure to treat the fibroids. At GE Health Day in 2007, Phyllis Gee, MD, from the North Texas Uterine Fibroid Institute, discussed uterine fibroid treatment options, including recent innovations in magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), and gave advice based on a few possible patient scenarios.

Q. I’m in my forties, and though I haven’t yet been through menopause, I don’t plan to have any more children. My doctor has been treating a medium-sized uterine fibroid, and suggested some non-invasive options in addition to a few surgical procedures. What do the different types mean?

A. A large tumor is usually classified as at least 8 centimeters, about the size of an orange. Moderate-sized tumors are 4 to 7 centimeters, similar to a lemon size. Tumors that are 2 to 4 centimeters, or roughly the size of a walnut, are considered small. The larger the tumors, the more pressure and pain a woman can feel. Submucosal uterine fibroids cause noticeable bleeding.