Uterine Fibroid Tumors Dictionary

abnormal bleeding: The most common symptom of uterine fibroids, although it may be an indicator of other conditions and more serious complications, that include heavy or prolonged bleeding during regular menstruation or bleeding in between periods.

adenomysis: An often painful condition that is sometimes mistaken for uterine fibroids, but upon surgical diagnosis (i.e., usually hysterectomy), shows that a portion of the endometrial layer grows into the middle myometrial layer.

amenorrhea: The condition when periods cease for at least a period of three months in or row or fail to begin at puberty and sometimes due to physical ailments or due to the use of some medications.

analgesics: These are pain killers, classified as either narcotic or non-narcotic, but have no anti-inflammatory effects; however, they can be helpful for resolving mild uterine fibroid pain.

anemia: The reduction of red blood cells that also causes a decrease of oxygen in the bloodstream and can be exacerbated by excessive bleeding from fibroid tumors.

angiogram: A catheterization that, in the case of fibroids, helps detect the location of the tumor vessel network to evaluate how to proceed with - and follow up on - a uterine artery embolization.

asymptomatic fibroids: These are tumors that are generally smaller in size and cause no symptoms, thus rarely requiring treatment.

cervix: The lowest tip of the uterus in the which the cervical canal is the opening that connects to the vagina.

dilation and curettage: Also known as a D&C, this procedure means the uterus is dilated, or enlarged, and then scraped or suctioned to acquire tissue samples or to remove smaller fibroids and polyps.

embolization: A simplification of "uterine artery embolization," or UAE.

endometrial ablation: An outpatient procedure that can cure abnormal bleeding by removing the endometrium.

endometrial biopsy: This procedure is performed during an office visit in which a special device is inserted into the uterus to obtain sample tissue for further observation under a microscope and may be used to diagnose fibroids or even cancer.

endometrium: This is the uterine lining that engorges with blood and, unless implanted with a fertilized egg, is shed during the menstrual cycle.

estrogen: A group of hormones with chemical similarities that are instrumental in female development during puberty and continue to cycle throughout adulthood with menstruation, pregnancy and finally stopping at a point during menopause.