By Dr Olivier Kadoch, obstetrician-gynaecologist · Updated 25/10/2026
A uterine fibroid (myoma) is a very common non-cancerous growth in the muscle of the uterus. Many cause no symptoms and simply need monitoring. Treatment is considered if you have heavy periods, pain, pressure symptoms or difficulty conceiving. It depends on where the fibroid is, according to the FIGO classification.
| FIGO type | Location | Treatment most often considered |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 2 | Submucosal, inside the uterine cavity | Operative hysteroscopy |
| 3 to 5 | Intramural, within the wall of the uterus | Medical treatment, myomectomy by laparoscopy or open surgery (laparotomy), embolisation |
| 6 and 7 | Subserosal, on the surface or on a stalk (pedunculated) | Monitoring, laparoscopic myomectomy if there are symptoms |
| 8 | Cervix, ligaments | Case-by-case management |
No, a fibroid does not turn into cancer. Leiomyosarcoma is a separate, rare tumour; any doubt on imaging changes the surgical approach.
Most do not. Fibroids that distort the uterine cavity (types 0 to 2) can reduce fertility and often warrant operative hysteroscopy.
They usually shrink after the menopause, as hormone levels fall.
In most cases, yes: medical treatment, myomectomy or embolisation allow the uterus to be kept.
As a general guide: hysteroscopic myomectomy, day case or under 3 days in hospital and 2 to 4 days off work; laparoscopic, 2 to 3 days and 2 to 4 weeks; open surgery (laparotomy), 3 to 5 days and 4 to 6 weeks (6 to 8 for a physical job); embolisation, day case to under 3 days and about 1 week. These are adjusted to your situation at the consultation.
The fees for the procedure are set out in a written estimate, given to you at the consultation.