One of the most common causes of heavy bleeding is muscle growths or tumors of
the womb. They are known by different names. Myomata, miomas, fibroids, fibro miomas leiomyomas
etc.
They are tumors ( growths) that originate from the muscle layer of womb. The are usually benign ( non
cancerous).
Depending on their size, they can cause pain, heavy and or irregular bleeding,
infertility, miscarriages, abdominal discomfort or when they are very large a
tumor may felt palpated) in the lower part of the tummy.
The only treatment is surgical removal. The actual type of operation should be
decided in consultation with the treating gynecologist. There are two main types of operations
available:
(i) Removing the growths (myomectomy)
(ii) Removing the womb.(hysterectomy)
Fibroids usually cause excessive cyclic bleeding. The amount of blood loss is increased and /or the duration of the
bleeding
is increased. The mechanism is propably due to enlargement of the womb, thus incereasing the surface area of the endometrium.
The next drawings give an illustration of the different types of myomata.
 
 
This drawing shows a muscle growth developing deep in the center of the muscular layer.
 
This drawing shows a growth developing near the surface of uterus (womb). It it only attached to
the womb via a pedicle.
 
This drawing shows a growth developing near the inner surface of the womb, bulging into the womb's cavity.
 
This drawing shows the common appearance of a uterus (womb) containing fibroids. The myomata are numerous, different
sizes are present and the originate in different parts of the muscle layer.
If you want to see photographs of real wombs containing myomata
click here
 
 
Polyps
Polyps are small growths or thickening of the mucus membrane in the cervical canal or of the endometrium (the mucus
membrane lining the wombs cavity). Some them might become cancerous if not treated but the majority will be benign.
The usually cause acyclic bleeding ( bleeding that occurs any time , independent from the normal cycle).
 
The next drawings illustrate polyps.
The next drawing shows a uterus with three polyps. A cervical one protruding through the cervix (mouth of the womb) and
two cervical polyps.

 
 
Cancer
Fortunately cancers are not the most common cause of abnormal bleeding but they are the most serious and early
detection is of the utmost importance.
The first drawing will illustrate early cervical ( mouth of the womb ) cancer. If regular papsmears (annually) are done,
the changes are slim to develop cervical cancer. Most of the potential cancerous lesion will be detected before they become
cancerous. See this page and
this one
Early cervical cancer
 
The next drawing illustrates early endometrial cancer. This is a disease that usually effects older women (near and after
the menopause). Any post menopausal bleeding bleeding should always be investigated to exclude endometrial cancer.