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What are Uterine Fibroid Tumors?

By Tracee Cornforth, About.com

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Question: What are Uterine Fibroid Tumors?

Answer: Uterine fibroids are nodules of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue that develop within the wall of the uterus (womb). Medically they are called uterine leiomyomata (singular: leiomyoma). Fibroids may grow as a single nodule or in clusters and may range in size from 1 mm to more than 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter. They may grow within the wall of the uterus or they may project into the interior cavity or toward the outer surface of the uterus. In rare cases, they may grow on stalks or peduncles projecting from the surface of the uterus.

What You Need to Know About Fibroid Tumors

Reproduced from the Office on Women's Health - HHS

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