Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

fibroblast growth factors
A family of signaling
molecules that bind to surface receptors and exert
actions on cells known as fibroblasts. Abbreviated
FGFs. There are multiple types of FGFs, and FGF
molecules bind to a family of fibroblast growth fac-
tor receptor molecules (FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3, and
FGFR4). This interaction plays a role in wound heal-
ing and embryonic development. Disruption of FGFs
or FGFRs can result in disease. Mutations in FGFR2
cause the best-known type of acrocephalosyn-
dactyly, Apert syndrome. Different mutations in
FGFR2 are responsible for other genetic diseases,
including Pfeiffer syndrome (a type of acro-
cephalosyndactyly) and Crouzon syndrome (a cran-
iofacial disorder). All these disorders are inherited
as autosomal dominant traits. See also 
acro-
cephalosyndactyly; Apert syndrome; Crouzon
syndrome; Pfeiffer syndrome.
fiber, diabetes and
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fibrocystic breast condition
The presence of
lumpiness and/or discomfort in one or both
breasts. The condition is very common and benign.
Fibrocystic breast condition was formerly referred
to as fibrocystic breast disease and primarily affects
women between the ages of 30 and 50; it tends to
become less of a problem after menopause. The
diagnosis of fibrocystic breasts is complicated by
the fact that the condition can vary widely in its
severity. The symptoms can also be limited in dura-
tion, usually occurring only premenstrually. Normal
hormonal variation during the menstrual cycle is
the primary contributing factor to fibrocystic breast
condition. The foremost concern is not fibrocystic
breast condition itself but the impaired detection of
breast cancer, as the lumps in fibrocystic breast
condition can mimic and mask breast cancer.
fibroid
A common benign tumor of the uterus.
Fibroids can be present without symptoms.
However, in about 25 percent of women, fibroids
cause symptoms such as prolonged or heavy men-
strual bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain, and, in rare
cases, reproductive dysfunction. Drugs that manip-
ulate the levels of steroid hormones can be effective
in treating fibroids, but side effects limit their long-
term use. Fibroids may be removed if they cause
discomfort or if they are associated with uterine
bleeding. In addition to hysterectomy and abdomi-
nal myomectomy, various minimally invasive proce-
dures have been developed to remove or diminish
the size of fibroids. Also known as leiomyoma and
myoma of the uterus.