Can Fibroids Lead To Cancer?

In most women, fibroids do not lead to cancer. Rarely, however, fibroids can turn into a cancer called a leiomyosarcoma. This happens to an estimated 1 in 1,000 women who have fibroids. Some cancerous tumors may develop directly from normal tissue in the uterus. The average age of women with leiomyosarcoma is 55.

Warning signs of cancer may include:

• rapid growth of the fibroids or the uterus

• vaginal bleeding after a woman has passed menopause.

If a woman has either of these problems, she should see a doctor right away.