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About Uterine Fibroids
Many women have uterine fibroids sometime during their lives. But you might not know you have uterine fibroids because they often cause no symptoms. Your doctor may discover fibroids incidentally during a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound.
In IMG Heathcare, get help from experienced gynaecologists and treat your uterine fibroids in the most advanced, effective, and painless procedure.
What are Uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Also called leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas, uterine fibroids aren't associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer.
Fibroids range in size from seedlings, undetectable by the human eye, to bulky masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. You can have a single fibroid or multiple ones. In extreme cases, multiple fibroids can expand the uterus so much that it reaches the rib cage and can add weight.
How does it form?
Although the exact cause of uterine fibroids is not known, studies suggest that hormones, genetics, and other insulin-like growth factors may play a part in fibroid growth. Doctors also believe that uterine fibroids develop from a stem cell that acts like a base in the smooth muscular tissue of the uterus. A single cell is divided repeatedly, which results in the formation of a firm, rubbery mass that is distinct from a nearby tissue. However, fibroids usually appear in females during their childbearing age, which is generally between the age of 30-40 years, but they can show up at any given age.
Types of uterine fibroids
Intramural fibroids
Subserosal fibroids
Submucosal fibroids
Pedunculated fibroids
Causes
Symptoms
Doctors don't know the cause of uterine fibroids, but research and clinical experience point to these factors:
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Genetic changes. Many fibroids contain changes in genes that differ from those in typical uterine muscle cells.
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Hormones. Estrogen and progesterone, two hormones that stimulate development of the uterine lining during each menstrual cycle in preparation for pregnancy, appear to promote the growth of fibroids.
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Fibroids contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than typical uterine muscle cells do. Fibroids tend to shrink after menopause due to a decrease in hormone production.
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Other growth factors. Substances that help the body maintain tissues, such as insulin-like growth factor, may affect fibroid growth.
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Extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM is the material that makes cells stick together, like mortar between bricks. ECM is increased in fibroids and makes them fibrous. ECM also stores growth factors and causes biologic changes in the cells themselves.
Many women who have fibroids don't have any symptoms. In those that do, symptoms can be influenced by the location, size and number of fibroids.
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In women who have symptoms, the most common signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
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Heavy menstrual bleeding
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Menstrual periods lasting more than a week
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Pelvic pressure or pain
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Frequent urination
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Difficulty emptying the bladder
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Constipation
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Backache or leg pains
See your doctor if you have:
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Pelvic pain that doesn't go away
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Overly heavy, prolonged or painful periods
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Spotting or bleeding between periods
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Difficulty emptying your bladder
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Unexplained low red blood cell count (anemia)
DIAGNOSIS
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Blood test: You may be required to go for a blood test which will show your complete blood count in order to check for anemia, other blood disorders or thyroid issues.
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Transvaginal Ultrasound: This is an imagery test that uses sound waves to produce images of the uterus. An ultrasound device called the transducer is placed inside the vagina to confirm the diagnosis and measure the fibroids.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This is another imagery test that can provide some detailed information regarding the size, location and type of the fibroid. Most often used in women with a larger uterus or in women approaching menopause, this test helps in determining the appropriate method of treatment.
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Hysterosonography: Also known as saline infusion sonogram, this test uses sterile salt (saline) water to expand the uterine cavity, making it easier to get images of submucosal fibroids and the lining the uterus among women who experience heavy blood loss or in women who are attempting pregnancy.
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Hysterosalpingography: This test uses a dye to make the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes easier to be viewed on an X-ray. Often recommended during concerns regarding infertility, this test helps the doctor to determine if your fallopian tubes are open or are blocked and can show the presence of submucosal fibroids.
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Hysteroscopy: This test involves the insertion of a small telescope attached with a light into the uterus via the vagina and cervix. The doctor then injects saline into the uterus, expanding the uterine cavity, which allows them to examine the walls of your uterus and the openings of your fallopian tubes.
Risks & Complications during the surgery:
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In general, a fibroid removal surgery does not involve any serious problems. However, depending on the severity of their condition and the type of surgery that the patient choses, there might be a number of complications that include:
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Allergic or other reactions to the anaesthesia
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Heavy bleeding
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Damage to the uterus or surrounding organs
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Blood loss, that may require a blood transfusion
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Urinary tract injury
How to prevent it?
Although researchers continue to study the causes of fibroid tumors, little scientific evidence is available on how to prevent them. Preventing uterine fibroids may not be possible, but only a small percentage of these tumors require treatment.
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But, by making healthy lifestyle choices, such as maintaining a healthy weight and eating fruits and vegetables, you may be able to decrease your fibroid risk.
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Also, some research suggests that using hormonal contraceptives may be associated with a lower risk of fibroids.
OUR SPECIALISTS DOCTORS
Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience
Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience
Dr. ABCD
MBBS,
10 yrs of experience
Types of Surgery
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Abdominal myomectomy: Also known as open myomectomy, this is the traditional surgical procedure of treating uterine fibroids. An abdominal myomectomy involves an open surgical cut in the abdomen to access the uterus and remove the fibroids. After the fibroids are removed, the abdominal wall and skin are closed with sutures or stitches. This type of myomectomy is preferred for multiple or deeply rooted fibroids.
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Laparoscopic myomectomy: In this procedure, small incisions are made around the abdomen and the fibroid is visualized using a laparoscope, (a thin, lighted scope with a camera attached at the end) which is inserted through one of the incisions. The doctor then uses surgical instruments through the small incisions in the abdomen in order to remove the fibroids in your uterus.
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Robotic myomectomy: A robotic myomectomy uses the same method of treatment like that of a laparoscopic myomectomy and only differs in the fact that in this procedure,, the surgeon sits at a console away from the patient in order to control the surgical instruments.
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Abdominal Hysterectomy: This is the traditional procedure of surgically removing a part or all of the uterus, depending upon the severity of the condition. Sometimes, the fallopian tubes, cervix, ovaries or any other part of the uterus that is affected by the fibroids are also removed. Since this method of surgery results in infertility, it is usually carried out as the last resort of treatment when all the other procedures have been ineffective.