Women's Conditions

Can fibroids turn into cancer? Gynecologist in Seoul, Korea

The short answer

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) and almost never become cancer. A rare cancer of the uterine muscle, leiomyosarcoma, exists but is not thought to arise from ordinary fibroids. Rapid growth, especially after menopause, should be checked. Most women only need a yearly ultrasound.

Most fibroids are found by chance and stay stable or grow slowly. Monitoring focuses on symptoms and size.

See a doctor sooner if

  • A fibroid grows quickly between scans
  • New pain or heavy bleeding develops
  • Bleeding occurs after menopause

Answered by Dami Women's Clinic (다미산부인과의원), Yeouido, Seoul · Dr. Ko Sang-hyun, OB/GYN. General information, not a diagnosis. Emergencies in Korea: call 119. Medical disclaimer · International Patient Center