Natural progression after viewing fibroid pictures. With all the shapes and sizes, you can see why getting an answer to the fibroid weight question can prove difficult.
Lots of thoughts about this in another post. The original fibroid weight question:
momma’s_girl: wondering how much a softball sized tumor would weigh… any ideas?
So, I set out to search for an answer. From a couple of my responses:
EclecticGeek: Heard fibroids can weigh several pounds but couldn’t find anything that related fibroid weight to approximate size. Started camping out at Google Scholar and PubMed typing in keywords to search (fibroid weight, weight of fibroids, fibroid weight calculation, etc.). I think part of the problem is the shape. Fibroids aren’t perfect spheres so you can’t use some standard formula. Also, I can’t find a consensus on the composition. I’m sure the percentage of whatever is in there varies also compounding the problem.
I was running out of ideas at this point. Fortunately, a contributor provided a spark to jump start my thought processes again. Yay! From the geeky fibroid weight comment:
fibroid free: Volume (V) = LxWxH ok then Mass=Vp (vol x density) ok but how do I get the density?? Then I searched some clinical abstracts and I did find a couple of abstracts listing average weight in surgery comparisons….this is fuzzy science from a Microbiologist/Biochemist so dont kill the messger… it was noted that an 9 cmx 3 cm ‘broid was listed on average as 350-400 grams. Ok so 1000grams = 2.205 lbs or 1 g = 0.002205 pounds (lbs) sooo….. 500g = 1.1 ilb; 350 g= 0.77 lbs and 400 g = 0.88 lbs
Ahhh. Yes, it’s becoming clearer. Hang with me for the last little bit. My “geek-like” response:
EclecticGeek: When I started reading what you said about volume, it clicked. Density is a problem but also shape. Women are getting different dimensions for the fibroids. Some get three (i.e. 7cm x 8cm x 9cm) and can use the formula you provided. More rectangular I guess(?). Some get only one (i.e 6cm) and would need the formula for a sphere (hence pi). For two dimensions (i.e. 9cm x 3cm), maybe use a cylinder calculation(?) that also requires pi.
Now, here is some review material, a few volume equations, and an online calculator. (Did I just sound like a teacher?)
Rectangular Prism
Rectangular Prism: V = l x w x h [i.e. 7cm x 5cm x 2cm = 70cm³]
Cylinder: V = ∏r²h [i.e. dimensions 9, 3: (3.14)(1.5cm)²(9cm) = 63.6cm³]
Sphere: V = 4(∏r³)/3 [i.e. dimension 9: 4(3.14)(4.5)³/3 = 381.5cm³]
Density: ρ = m/V (We will worry about density later after we get volumes and can find more mass info.)
Okay. Let’s get this “fibroid weight” party started. Post your thoughts, calculations, corrections, or other info. 
——————–
Related Posts:
What are uterine fibroid tumors?
Psst… Where can I find pictures of fibroid tumors?
Can I pass a uterine fibroid?
June 8, 2009 at 3:33 pm
Just wanted to thank you for this site. I thought that most of my symptoms were in my head. I guess we do know our bodies better than we think. Surgery is July 2nd and for once I feel at easy and ready. Thanks for the great info..
June 8, 2009 at 3:46 pm
Update:
Well, I am now 2.5 weeks post-AM and have lost 6 lbs. I went into surgery at 137 and I am now 131! I haven’t weighed 131 since I was 25 (im 29 now). I have more energy during my recovery than I did prior to surgery! I also have less back pain and urinate less frequently.
Jass-
Good luck with your surgery! I bet you cannot wait to be rid of the life force suckers!
July 9, 2009 at 1:57 am
How exciting to hear from so many women who now no longer have headaches! I am two weeks post op (TAH 16 wk pregancy fibroid removed – dont know how much it weighed) and I havent had a headache since. I was thinking it was only because I have been on pain meds/anti inflammatory meds since then. Hopefully I have seen the last of headaches.
Re weight loss, I had put on about 4kg (62kg/136lb) in the 2 months leading up to my operation (due to not being able to run and due to fibroid growing) and lost 2kg (4.4lb) immediately as a result of the operation. I have 2kg to lose still.
Re size loss. My waist is not as small as it was before the fibroid did its fast growing phase (in the 2 months prior to op), but its not far off. I fitted into some work pants in the morning yesterday for a job interview. By the afternoon, my waist measured almost 2 inches more. The muffin top is the main problem post op for me. Its very tender and I cant stand wearing tight clothes. My waist and the muffin top gets bigger over the day.
Good news – I feel great now. Much better than pre-op. It makes me realise how much pain and discomfort I was in before the op. I dont regret it a minute. Good luck everyone!
December 20, 2009 at 12:53 am
THANK YOU. IM THINKG ABOUT MAKING A VIDEO FOR MY PRE AND POST OP! NOT ENOUGH INFO ON THE INTERNET!
July 15, 2009 at 8:55 am
Kim – Good to hear that your surgery went well and that you are feeling so much better now.
I had my AM on 29 May and like you, lost about 2kg on the table. Your muffin top will disappear soon. I was comfortably wearing jeans and pantyhose (not together!) by the end of week 5 and whilst everyone heals at different speed, hopefully you will be back to old size really soon (if not already).
I hope the rest of your recovery goes well.
Cheers.
July 16, 2009 at 1:05 am
Sorry, make that an AH (hysterectomy rather than a myomectomy).
July 17, 2009 at 1:12 pm
So glad to find this site! I have been struggling with fibroids for about 10 years but luckily have had relatively little pain and normal periods until recently. My doctor and I had planned on “sitting it out” until menapause or possibly doing UEF in necessary. Unfortunately, in the meantime my uterus and cervix have “dropped” and a hysterectomy is necessary now. My dilema is whether to try Lupron for 3 months to see if it will shrink my fibroids enough to do a vaginal hysterectory or go ahead with an adominal hys. I’ve heard horror stories regarding Lupron and I have a very high level job, I don’t know if I can risk turning into a pschopath for three months for the possibility of an easier recovery. Any lupron experience is appreciated. I also am struggling with the weight and its bugging me. I’m probably up about 15 lb and my stomach is so bloated — I used to have such a flat stomach and I excersize ALOT — but minimal changes I think, due to fibroids and pontentially birth control pills. I have to say, I am almost looking forward to having it all ripped out and being normal again, I’m just scared about the Lupron!
July 28, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Like all of you, I have fibroids and my mid section is growing! I do not have any other symptoms! I was told that my uterus is about a 5 months’ pregnancy. I thought that I was gaining weight. Anyway, I want to have an operation and my Ob-gyn suggested hysterectomy since my husband and I have never want to have kids. On the other hand, I am afraid of the cutting me open…I realize that there is ultra sound operations which I am not sure if I am the right candidate! I am just confused and a bit scared…I wonder if I will lose some weight post operations…I am going to meet with my doctor in early Aug and I hope that I can decide what to do! So many of you seem to feel better and have more energy….I seemed to be lacking interest in things after knowing about the fibroid issue in middle Jun! I want to have my old self by but at the same time, I am afraid of the possible consequences of the operations!
July 29, 2009 at 8:51 am
HB – Its normal to feel scared. But you need to be absolutely sure that the hysterectomy is how you want to proceed. Its a very serious operation. The last thing you need when you are recovering is doubt about whether you did the right thing or not. Your doctor should be able to talk to you about all of the options available to you and their pros and cons (and refer you to someone else if he/she doesn’t do them). You should also ask your doctor lots of questions about the AH you are considering having, how he is going to do it, what the risks are, whether he seen those risks etc. Question everything they say. For me the AH was the way to go and the outcome has been fantastic. I’m nearly at the 9 weeks mark now, and feel wonderfully healthy and normal. I haven’t felt this good in years. And . . . I’m losing weight without even trying – probably because its so easy be active when you feel so damn good!
July 29, 2009 at 11:05 am
Carolyn,
Thanks for your comment! I am very happy for you that you are feeling good after your operation!
I understand that hysterectomy is a very serious operations and my doctor told me that he could consider just removing the fiborids but there is a big chance that they will grow again. My thinking is that if the procedures for hysterectomy and myomectomy require opening my abs, it may be better to have the experience once and not to have to repeat it! Besides, it seems to be easier to take out the whole uterus than to operate on each an every fibroid, I was told that I have many. Thanks for reminding me to enquire about all the questions I have. It is amazing how much information I could get from the internet and all the potential risk that one may encounter, but I will surely bring all my concerns and queries to my doctor. Somehow, I really would like to move on and not to worry about fiborids or whatever they are going to affect my body! It is encouraging to know that you have good results and I will let you know the action I am going to take. Meeting with my doctor next week!!!!
July 29, 2009 at 11:14 am
Kimberly,
I do not know much about Lupron but I surely want to provide some support here for you! I understand how frustrating it is to be working out, eating healthy and yet gaining weight. I share the same feelings and I know exactly what you meant when you want to feel normal again! So, talk to your doctor and make a decision.
August 3, 2009 at 10:01 pm
I just had an embolized, calcified one removed (even dead, it was misbehaving), and it weighed 1,100g.
August 4, 2009 at 2:45 am
Thanks Carolyn, its almost 6 weeks post TAH now. My muffin top is less prominent now and I think I can be OK with it as it is. My waist is back to what it was pre fibroid fast growth phase. I think the main reason I am still not comfy in my jeans is that I am still a little tender and I need to lose 2kg (all this sitting around getting better). Once I get back to decent exercising (am cycling to work tomorrow) I will lose it. I saw my surgeon at week 4 – she said the fibroid weighed 900g which is about 2 lb.
August 4, 2009 at 3:29 am
I just saw all the posts about density – being an engineer this is great to see! My fibroid was about 8cm x 4 x 4 and weighed 900g. Look in your fridge to see something about that weight – perhaps a carton of milk? The milk is heaps bigger in volume than my fibroid. So I think of it as kind of like a stone! Perhaps the density of fibroids varies quite a lot?
February 12, 2010 at 3:57 pm
Hi Kim!
I just revied my pathology report with my surgeon today. The density is LOW. Trust me. I couldn’t believe it. Read my post taday on the size and weight of my fibriod.
Serenity
February 12, 2010 at 3:59 pm
Actullay I think the density varies. I just read other reponses to weight. 2lbs?! WOW!
August 4, 2009 at 6:53 am
Kim – I am so glad to hear that you are almost back to normal. If your recovery is similar to mine (and I’m only a few weeks ahead of you), even though you’ll be sore for a while you probably won’t notice it very often. I was so happy when I could finally sleep on my stomach and that only happened recently, at about the 8 week mark.
February 12, 2010 at 3:54 pm
YES! Im 3 weeks into recovery. Im soooo glad i can sleep on my stomach again. Still a bit uncomfortable …..I have to roll slowly, but when i get into position…..HEEEELLLO SLEEP!
LOL
August 5, 2009 at 2:38 am
Kim, that’s really interesting and very strange, I had no idea! Thanks!
August 5, 2009 at 2:42 am
Diane, can you tell us how much it shrank (size, not volume) and in what way it was misbehaving? i.e. were there different symptoms after it was embolized or the same ones never went away? Thanks!
August 11, 2009 at 11:49 pm
HI, I have 6 measureable fibroids & need to have an abdominal hysterectomy due to the size of my uterus. My biggest worry is having to put my life in the hands of a surgeon whom I have no stastistics on ,skill, complication rates,infection etc. Does anyone know of a site or anywhere i can check on the doctors sucess rates etc.
February 12, 2010 at 3:52 pm
Clare!
Read my post on January 25th. Do your reseach…You need to feel comfortable…. I feel like I made an infromed decision. Write back to me if you need any other questions answered..
Serenity
January 9, 2010 at 11:15 pm
Hello Everyone,
This site has helped me so much in the past few months. I was going to read and go on, but I think I should add my bit in case in can help someone else later.
I am having laproscopic myomectomy on Wednesday January 13th 2009.
I was diagnosed with fibroids in 2004. They were so big that they had to give me lupron for 6 months before attempting an embolization. The embolization was successful, but the uterus is still very large (5 month pregnancy…11 fibroids in total…2 oranges and 9 smaller).
After the embolization, my period came lightly and with no pain. My tummy went down a little and I thought the rest was just fat. I didn’t want to go through all the running around with the hospital and doctors again, so I I thought that I would just live with it.
The back pain has become unbearable and I barely get a period anymore, which believe it or not, is very frustrating because I feel like I am missing my monthly cleansing. In the past few months my skin had errupted with acne and I have gained a lot of weight. I can’t have sex because it hurts so much and I feel terrible about myself because of the way my front looks.
I am 5′9 and I weigh 215lbs. I am supposed to weigh 170. I feel inspired when I read about the women losing weight after surgery. I went to a natropath and asked her why many of you are losing weight even though the fibroids themselves don’t weigh tha much?
She said: that the liver, kidneys and intestines are able to function properly after the surgery. They are able remove toxins from the body more easily. Thus, causing instant weight loss.
I found this very interesting especially given my latest bout with zitts.
I’m very excited about this surgery and see it as a fresh start. I have been very inactive for the past 10 years, but I am committed to losing weight so that the fibroids do not grow back.
Hope this information will help someone.
Peace.
February 5, 2010 at 6:39 pm
Hello Everyone,
I am in my 3rd week of recovery after having 12 fibroids lapriscopically removed. They found the 12th hinding on an ovary. I had the DR. weigh them an she said that all 12 weighed less than 1lb. I have lost about 5lb and I feel great.
The back pain dissapeared instantly and my tummy has gone down considerable. My skin is clearing up a little, but people in my building swear that I look very fresh and healthy. I have noticed that my eyes are much brighter and the dark circles have all but gone. Could this be from the better organ function I wonder?
Anyhoo, I’m so excited for everyone who is having this done soon. You will feel fabulous!
January 11, 2010 at 12:44 am
Jasmine,
Good luck on Wednesday! Let us know how you do on the laparascopy page: http://blog.geekwithfibroids.com/2006/10/24/how-are-you-feeling-after-your-laparoscopic-myomectomy/
I found your post interesting… with the exception of having undergone an emboliztion, I’m in your position… and hope to undergo a laparascopic myomectomy some time this year…
That said, your experience with the embolization is an important one to share… please consider posting your experience on the embolization page… http://blog.geekwithfibroids.com/2006/09/21/how-are-you-feeling-after-your-uterine-fibroid-embolization/
January 25, 2010 at 7:16 pm
I must say this is a great article i enjoyed reading it keep the good work
January 25, 2010 at 7:34 pm
Hello, I just came back from the OBGYN and wanted to do a little research and stumbled on this website. I had an ultrasound a week ago and today she told me I have a fibroid aprox. 8 cm. She told me they are rarely cancerous and not to worry and to schedule another ultrasound in 6 months. Does this sound resonable? I had severe back pain 3 months ago and couldn’t walk-had to go to the hospital and get an epidural- i wonder if there is any corralation? Also I sometime have severe pain in the pelvic area that comes and goes when I walk. Could my fibroid have something to do with my lack of energy and poochy tummy ? I haven’t had a period in over 2 months (before they were sporadic and sometimes heavy) and she said at the age of 48 I could be entering menopause and not to worry! Any thoughts out there?
thanks
February 24, 2010 at 4:09 pm
Karen, none of that sounds reasonable. I am scheduled for my AM tomorrow but I remember over 12 years ago the head of OBGYN at a med school telling me fibroids are no big deal, lots of women have them. My good friend lost consciousness several times before finding out they were pressing on her nerves in her back. My cousin had a hysterectomy because hers were attaching to various internal organs for blood supply.
So if they are causing you problems, please go see another doctor.
Thanks to all the other ladies who posted – it so helpful to hear other people’s experiences. I am curious to find out just how big these things are (I know I have 4 and my uterus is about 5 months enlarged). I hope to lose some weight, too, when this is all over.
January 25, 2010 at 11:27 pm
Hi!
I stumbled upon this blog after a visit from my OB/GYN in December 2009. She had been my GYN for apprx 10 years! I put my trust into her ability to handle my medical needs. for years she monitored my HPV stats (human Papilloma Virus). I too am a medical provider (pediatrics).. I have to say TRUST YOUR GUT (literally).. After my pre op consultation with her, i left with so many unanswered questions and many of my concerns not met. She was about to sccedule me for a Myomectomy with “possible HYSTORECTOMY”. Normal consent you say …huh? Well it doesnt have to be. I left her office in shock. Im 34 years old and she could not tell me 100% if I would come out of surgery an intact women.. Despite our years of previous conversation for my ‘back up plan”(sperm donor). Her response was ‘ I wont know for sure until I open you up”
We discussed the shape of the fibriod (on a pendullum or stalk), she would clamp the stalk to cut off the blood supply. We discussed donating my blood prior to surgey because the uterus is very vascualr and bleeding is likely. she couldnt confirm the # of fibriods. “I wont know till I open you up”. Uhh…dont you have and MRI? I questined why she didnt ask for my films. She also could not confirm that she would use sugical glue instead of staples.. She told me a women of my size typically won’t do well with sugical glue. Althought this was my most superficial question, i think she forgot that I too was a practitioner I have adult patients that are post op, GYN , twice my size ( Im 200lbs) and return to thier bed with surgical glue. Her answers didnt sit right with me. She cant take my uterus! So I found this blog while searching for answers. I read the term “RE”. Not until the blog i heard about REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGISTS. These are GYN”S or OB/GYN’s that specialize in procedures to maintain your fertility. REMINDER Iam a NURSE PRACTITIONER with a masters degree. i have never came across this specialty. Through Divine intervintion (long story) I found Dr. Stanley West . He removed my Fibroid 1 big ole honey dew melon size fibroid. made several cuts to my uterus (fibroid too big for the typical incision) removed the fibroid and reconstucted my uterus. According the Dr West if i was ready i can have children in 4 months! Did I tell you he is a “microsurgeon” . I cry because of this divine intervention. The fibriod shape was nothing like my GYN described. I dont know what MRI report she read. Dr West read my MRI report whle drawing pictures. I donated no blood . he said that will cause me to be anemic and cause othe problems for surgery. At St vincents hospital they use a cell saver. My blood loss during sugery is collected and i guess cleaned, and put right back in my IV. I saw it upon awakening from anesthesia. it wasnt alot either. Oh yeah Im home healing sore not really pain. dont get me wrong Im exhausted! But… I got my GLUE to a bikini line cut you cant even see! My sugical opening is closed in 5 layers! Nothing is gonna break free! In this case the glue is cosmetic. His final stitch is right under the skin. This is not the typical closure of GYN thats why they prefer staples its Quick! They go back to thier office or go delivery another baby.. Iwas the only obligation on his work schedule. He had all the time he needed to reconstruct and stitch it back. Please go to a RE!!!!!!!! My sugical consent read “MYOMECTOMY NO HYSTERECTOMY” brought me to tears!
February 12, 2010 at 3:46 pm
Hello!
I just received the pathology report from my surgeon. My fibroid size was 9.3cm x 7.5cm x 5.3cm. Weight = 83 grams, sooooo that is approx 0.183 pounds. That’s pretty light huh? How could something so light in weight reak so much havoc? It was pressing against my bladder and cocyx area. Therefore i went to the bathroom alot and I had numbness of my feet and legs due the the irritation on the nerves.
February 24, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Wow, Serenity. Just imagine all us non-medical professionals who end up taking the doctor’s word for it.
I don’t even want a possible hysterectomy but my doc said it may be a choice between stopping the bleeding and me dying. Is that true ?