fibroid

views updated May 14 2018

fibroid (fy-broid)
1. (leiomyoma, uterine fibroid) n. a benign tumour of fibrous and muscular tissue, one or more of which may develop within or attached to the outside of the uterus. Large fibroids often cause pain and excessive menstrual bleeding and may cause problems with fertility and childbirth. Fibroids may be treated medically (e.g. with gonadorelin analogues), by laser coagulation (laparoscopic myolysis) or uterine artery embolization, or surgically (by myomectomy or hysterectomy).

2. adj. resembling or containing fibres.

fibroid

views updated May 14 2018

fi·broid / ˈfīˌbroid/ • adj. of or characterized by fibers or fibrous tissue.• n. Med. a benign tumor of muscular and fibrous tissues, typically developing in the wall of the uterus.