Many women diagnosed with uterine fibroids worry about whether these growths could turn into cancer. It’s understandable, as the symptoms of uterine fibroids and cancer can appear similar, especially heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, or abdominal pressure. It’s important to know that fibroids are almost always noncancerous and have no direct link to causing cancer, however.
There are rare cases, though, where a growth that looks like a fibroid can turn out to be a . Knowing how to identify fibroid cancer symptoms and seeking evaluation as soon as possible can help detect concerning changes early and guide the right next steps.
Are Fibroids Cancerous?
Fibroids themselves are benign growths made of muscle and connective tissue, and do not become cancerous. However, there is a cancerous form of a fibroid-like tumor called leiomyosarcoma — a rare type of cancer that forms in the muscle tissue of the uterus. Leiomyosarcoma is a separate condition from uterine fibroids.
According to the U.S. National Institutes of Health, uterine leiomyosarcoma affects fewer than 1 in 1,000 women with fibroids. That means the chances of a fibroid becoming cancerous are extremely low. Most women with fibroids never experience anything more than uncomfortable (but treatable) symptoms.
Misconceptions about Fibroid Cancer and Uterine Sarcoma
When people use the term “fibroid cancer,” they’re usually referring to uterine sarcoma, a rare cancer that can mimic fibroids on imaging tests like ultrasounds and MRIs. Uterine sarcomas can grow quickly and are generally more aggressive than benign fibroids.
A uterine sarcoma is a cancerous tumor that forms in the muscle walls of the uterus or the connective tissue surrounding them. They only make up about 2 to 5 percent of all uterine cancers, with only about 5,000 women in the United States affected each year.
Where uterine fibroids are most likely to cause symptoms in your 30s or 40s, uterine sarcoma is not likely to occur before the age of 40. The average age of a diagnosis is 60.
Risk factors for uterine sarcoma include:
- Previous pelvic radiation
- Long-term use of the breast cancer drug tamoxifen
- Family history of certain cancers, including renal cell carcinoma syndrome
While both conditions can cause pelvic pain and abnormal bleeding, knowing the difference between the symptoms of uterine fibroids and cancer is important. They are distinct in nature and require different approaches for diagnosis and treatment. If symptoms are new, worsening, or causing concern, it is important to get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible to confirm the cause and discuss appropriate next steps.
Can Fibroids Turn Into Cancer?
There is no evidence that fibroids can be cancerous or that they increase your risk of developing uterine cancer. A cancerous growth can develop within the uterine muscle walls or in the tissue that connects the uterine lining to the uterine walls.
The initial symptoms of uterine fibroids and cancer can also overlap, such as with abnormal bleeding, so a cancerous tumor may occasionally be mistaken for a fibroid. This is why evaluation, imaging, and prompt diagnosis are important when symptoms change or worsen.
Distinguishing Between Common Fibroid Symptoms vs. Cancer Symptoms
Fibroid and cancer symptoms may seem similar, but they differ in severity, rapid progression, and the timing of symptoms, especially after menopause. However, since these symptoms of ‘fibroid cancer’ and uterine fibroids are similar, the best way to distinguish between a benign tumor and a cancerous growth is through proper medical testing with a fibroid specialist.
Cancerous Fibroid Tumor Symptoms
Whether you have cancerous fibroid tumor symptoms is based on factors such as rapid growth, severe pain, and post-menopausal bleeding.
While rare, symptoms of fibroid cancer or uterine sarcoma may include:
- Rapid growth of a pelvic mass
- Severe or sudden pelvic or abdominal pain
- Bleeding after menopause
- Significant anemia without explanation
- Fast-changing symptoms
If you are experiencing cancer symptoms, early evaluation is crucial because sarcoma can spread rapidly.
Non-Cancerous Fibroid Symptoms
- Heavy, prolonged menstruation between or during your periods
- Anemia, which can lead to fatigue and iron deficiency
- Pain during intercourse
- Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
- Chronic constipation or bloating
- Pain in your pelvis or lower back
- Increased menstrual cramping
- Abdominal swelling
If you experience new or changing symptoms, consult a fibroid specialist to determine the best treatment. Call (855) 615 2555 to schedule, or book below using our 24/7 online scheduling tool with real-time insurance verification.
Uterine Cancer vs. Uterine Fibroids: Key Differences
Uterine fibroids are common noncancerous growths that develop within the wall of the uterus. They’re made up of muscle and fibrous tissue and affect up to 80% of women by age 50. While fibroids can cause painful, disruptive symptoms like heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, or frequent urination, they cannot cause cancer.
In contrast, uterine cancer, such as endometrial cancer and uterine sarcoma, occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the uterus. These conditions are serious and require different medical management.
When determining the difference between fibroids and uterine cancer, their growth patterns, the average age of those who experience these conditions, and overall symptom profiles help distinguish between the two.
| Feature | Fibroids (Benign) | Uterine Cancer (Malignant) |
|---|---|---|
| Growth type | Noncancerous tissue growth | Cancerous, abnormal cell growth |
| Growth speed | Usually slow | May grow rapidly |
| Symptoms | Heavy bleeding, pressure, pelvic pain
Timing: Usually follows your menstrual cycle (just much heavier). |
Abnormal bleeding (often after menopause), pelvic pain
Timing: Post-Menopausal. Any bleeding at all after you have gone through menopause is the primary “red flag.” |
| Risk level | Very common and treatable | Rare but potentially life-threatening |
| Treatment | Minimally invasive options like Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) | Typically involves a hysterectomy (removing the uterus), often followed by chemotherapy or radiation |
Who Is at Higher Risk for Uterine Cancer or Cancerous Fibroids?
Most women with fibroids are not at risk for cancer. However, it is possible to mistake a cancerous growth for a benign fibroid.
The risk of uterine sarcoma can also increase due to factors like:
- Previous pelvic radiation
- Long-term use of tamoxifen (breast cancer medication)
- Certain genetic syndromes
- New symptoms after menopause
If you experience any of these cancerous fibroid tumor symptoms, or if symptoms are new or change quickly, they need to be evaluated right away by a fibroid or uterine specialist.
Meet with a fibroid specialist
How Do I Know If My Fibroid Is Cancerous?
There is no reliable way to tell if a fibroid is cancerous based on symptoms alone. A fibroid or uterine specialist may recommend imaging (such as an ultrasound or MRI) and, in some cases, a biopsy or surgical evaluation to rule out uterine cancer.
Call a medical professional right away if there is rapid growth, severe or worsening pelvic pain, unexpected weight loss, or any bleeding after menopause.
How Doctors Diagnose Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids vs. Cancer
Medical imaging helps with diagnosing the difference between fibroids and cancerous tumors in the uterus.
Additionally, pathologists (doctors who specialize in analyzing bodily tissue) can examine a biopsy of the fibroid under a microscope and count the dividing cells. By counting these dividing cells, also known as mitotic figures, they can determine if a fibroid is cancerous.
If cancer is suspected based on your imaging exams, further examination or treatment may be recommended.
Role of USA Fibroid Centers in Fibroid Evaluation and Treatment
USA Fibroid Centers specializes in diagnosing and treating noncancerous fibroids. We will work with you to assess your symptoms, review imaging, and confirm if you have fibroids.
We also offer a safe, effective, minimally invasive treatment called uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). This non-surgical, outpatient solution blocks the fibroid’s blood supply, causing it to shrink and wither away over time.
If the tests show you have uterine cancer, you will be referred to an oncology team specializing in uterine cancer treatment options.
Understanding Fibroid Cancer Symptoms and When to Seek Care
Most fibroids are harmless, but any sudden change in symptoms should be checked immediately. An exam, imaging, and expert evaluation from USA Fibroid Centers can help determine whether you’re dealing with a benign fibroid or a rare cancerous tumor.
Take control of your health with experienced fibroid specialists from USA Fibroid Centers. Our specialists use safe, patient-centered techniques to help you determine whether you have fibroids and connect you with cancer experts who can provide further guidance.
Schedule a consultation today at one of USA Fibroid Centers’ nationwide locations.
FAQs About Fibroids and Cancer
What are the early warning signs of uterine cancer?
Some of the early warning signs of uterine cancer often include abnormal vaginal bleeding, unusual discharge, pelvic pressure, and pain, especially after menopause or between periods. As the cancer grows, pain or discomfort may occur in the lower abdomen, back, legs, or during sex or urination.
Does having multiple fibroids change my chances of developing uterine cancer?
Having multiple fibroids does not increase the risk of uterine cancer, but they can make signs harder to spot. Since fibroids and uterine cancer both cause similar symptoms, cancer symptoms may be mistaken for normal fibroid changes. It is important to monitor your symptoms and check in with a fibroid specialist about any changes in symptoms to catch potential symptoms of uterine cancer.
How often should fibroids be checked if I’m worried about cancer?
If you have fibroids and are worried about cancer, consult a fibroid specialist to determine how often you should be screened, as this number can vary based on whether you have any risk factors.