uterine fibroma, a benign encapsulated uterine tumor. It affects about 20% of women over the age of 30. The tumor may develop in the wall of the uterus or be attached to a stalk of tissue originating in the wall. Symptoms may include menstrual disorders such as menorrhagia. Symptoms are also likely to be related to the location of the tumor with respect to neighboring organs, as when a uterine fibroma causes pressure on the urinary bladder, producing symptoms of dysuria. Uterine fibromas rarely spread or become life-threatening.
