What is a Uterine Fibroid?
Uterine Fibroid
Uterine fibroids or leiomyomas are growths that can be found in the uterus. The connective tissues in the wall of the uterus and muscle make up these fibroids. In the majority of the cases, these growths are benign and don’t cause cancer. It is possible to have a single fibroid or multiple growths. The fibroids are capable of developing inside the main cavity of the uterus, on the walls of the uterus, or even on the outer surface. There are different types of fibroids based on where they are located. Some of the common fibroids are; submucosal fibroids, which are seen to grow inside the cavity of the uterus where the fetus develops. The fibroids are seen to extend towards the empty shape in the middle of the uterus. Subserosal fibroids are located on the outside of the uterus, they have close connections to the outside of the wall of the uterus. Intramural fibroids are growths that are embedded into the wall of the uterus. These growths will be developing inside the walls of the uterus. Pedunculated fibroids are not common at all. They are located on the outside of the uterus. Fibroids are benign and don’t cause cancer. It is extremely rare for a fibroid to undergo changes and transform into cancer. Fibroids are rounded growths, in some cases, these rounded growths are attached to the uterus with a thin stem, often giving them the appearance of a mushroom.
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- SURGERY DURATION: 30 minutes
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- FULL RECOVERY: 3 - 4 days
TREATMENTS
Diagnosis
In the majority of the cases, a fibroid can be felt during a regular exam. It can be felt during a pelvic exam by a medical professional. The symptoms may be enough for the health care provider to suspect a fibroid. Various imaging tests such as ultrasonography, CT scans, MRIs, etc will be done to see the size, location, and number of fibroids. A hysteroscopy might be done where the medical professional passes a scope through the vagina and the cervix, into the uterus to see the fibroids. A sonohysterography, hysterosalpingography, laparoscopy, etc. might be done to get a diagnosis of uterine fibroids.
Surgery
The treatment for uterine fibroids depends on the size of the fibroids, whether there is a single fibroid or multiple fibroids, and the location of the fibroid. If the fibroid is not causing symptoms then it doesn’t require intense treatment. Fibroids that are small in size are left alone in the majority of the cases. Medications are given to manage the symptoms caused by fibroids. If the fibroids are causing pain and discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers are prescribed. If the fibroids are causing intense bleeding, iron supplements, and birth control pills are prescribed inorder to help with it. Surgery is an alternative to get rid of fibroids. The type of surgery will depend on the size of the fibroid, and where it is located. There are different types of surgeries that can be done. It can be done by preserving the uterus, which allows the patient to conceive in the future. It can also be done by the removal of the uterus or by causing permanent damage to the uterus. A hysteroscopy can be done to remove the fibroids. The medical professional will insert a scope through the vagina into the uterus and use tools to cut the fibroids and remove them. A laparoscopy and a laparotomy can be done to remove a fibroid. Unlike hysteroscopy, this procedure requires incisions that are made on the abdomen of the stomach. Then fibroids are then cut and removed. If the person doesn’t want to conceive in the future, a hysterectomy can be done. Hysterectomy is advised if the fibroids are causing intense bleeding or if the growths are large. In a hysterectomy, the entire uterus is removed, the ovaries are left intact, and the patient will not go into menopause. With the uterus gone, there will be no fibroids and the symptoms will be gone. Uterine fibroid embolization is another procedure that is done to get rid of fibroids. A small catheter is placed in the radial artery and the blood flow from the artery to the fibroids is blocked. Once the circulation is stopped, the fibroids will shrink and reduce the symptoms. Radiofrequency ablation is also done to treat fibroids.
Causes
- Pregnancy
- Hereditary
- Hormonal Changes
Symptoms
- Bloating
- Heavy Menstrual Bleeding
- Lower Back pain
- Vaginal Discharge
- Painful while constipation
Frequently Asked Questions
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are noncancerous growths that can be observed in the uterus. The majority of uterine fibroids are found in women who are still capable of reproducing.
What are the different types of fibroids?
Fibroids come in a variety of shapes and sizes, depending on where they are found. Submucosal fibroids, which grow inside the cavity of the uterus where the fetus develops, are one of the most prevalent fibroids. The fibroids are seen to extend towards the uterus’s empty form in the center. Subserosal fibroids are fibroids that grow on the outside of the uterus and are closely connected to the uterine wall. Intramural fibroids are fibroids that have growths lodged in their walls. These growths will develop within the uterine walls. Pedunculated fibroids are quite uncommon. They are found on the uterus’s exterior.
Can fibroids turn into cancer?
Fibroids are benign and don’t cause cancer. It is extremely rare for a fibroid to undergo changes and transform into cancer.
What are the major symptoms caused by fibroids?
Fibroids can produce symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, bloating, and the urge to urinate frequently, depending on the size, number, and location of the fibroids. This is caused when the fibroids put pressure on the bladder.
Can fibroids cause infertility?
In some cases, fibroids can cause infertility. Submucosal fibroids grow into the uterine cavity and may lead to infertility.
