Many women who have uterine fibroids do not know that they are there. Some fibroids are so small that they cannot be seen with the naked eye. Others can grow to be much larger.
Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths that develop within your uterus.
Significance
According to the Mayo Clinic, as many as three out of four women will develop uterine fibroids during her childbearing years.
Size
Large fibroids can grow to be over 6 inches in diameter. Very large fibroids are big enough to fill your abdominal or pelvic cavity, states the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG).
Complications
Large fibroid tumors can cause urinary difficulties and might interfere with your doctor's ability to perform a pelvic examination on you.
Treatment
Large uterine fibroids can be treated through myomectomy, a surgery to remove them from your uterus. A hysterectomy, a procedure in which your uterus is removed, will also remove the fibroids.