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Uterine fibroids. Illustration showing different types of fibroids (cream) in the wall of the uterus (womb). Fibroids are fibrous benign (non-cancerous) tumours originating from muscular tissue. Most do not require treatment, but some can cause bleeding, pain and other disorders. Large fibroids may need to be surgically removed. For this image with English labels see C049/2605. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/FERNANDO DA CUNHA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY)