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Women's Health

Fibroids

07/02/2007

Question:

How common are fibroids in other parts of the body such as the trapezius?

Answer:

“Fibroid” is a specific term for a “leiomyoma” of the uterus. Leiomyomas are benign (not cancerous) tumors of smooth muscle, and can also occur in the small intestines and esophagus. The trapezius is a skeletal, not smooth, muscle, so by definition, one cannot have a leiomyoma in this area. One can get benign growths in these muscles, but not a leiomyoma (fibroid).

One can get “lipomas” (fatty tumors) in all areas overlying muscle. So, if you have an abnormal growth in a skeletal muscle, such as the trapezius, it would be wise to have it examined by a physician.

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Response by:

The Ohio State University W. Fred Miser, MD
Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Department of Family Medicine
College of Medicine
The Ohio State University
W. Fred Miser, MD