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Facts about fibroids
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What are uterine fibroids and how are they treated? Read on to find out
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SANJEEVANI UNDERWENT a health check-up. She had an ultrasound of the pelvis done as part of the check-up. She was told she had fibroids. Till she could get an appointment to see her gynaecologist, she was anxiety-ridden. She knew some friends and relatives who had had their uterus removed because of fibroids.
At 36, would she also have to undergo a hysterectomy? What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids (also known as leiomyoma or myoma of the uterus) are benign (non-cancerous) tumours formed of connective tissue and smooth muscle. They grow slowly within the wall of the uterus or are attached to the uterine wall. A uterine fibroid may be as small as a pea or as large as a coconut. As the fibroid grows, the uterus may become deformed or pushed aside. Most fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) and it is very rare for them to turn cancerous (malignant).
How do they occur?
The cause of uterine fibroids is not known. They are slow growing and may exist in the body for years before making their presence felt. Pregnancy, use of birth control pills, and oestrogen replacement therapy may speed the growth of fibroids. Women may inherit the tendency to develop fibroids. Fibroids rarely occur in women younger than 20. They occur most frequently in women in their childbearing years. When a woman goes through menopause, these tumours usually shrink due to the lack of the hormone oestrogen.
What are the symptoms?
Most women are surprised to know they have fibroids. It is usually found when undergoing a routine examination. Very often there are no symptoms. Some women have one or more of the following: painful periods; heavy menstrual bleeding; more frequent or uncomfortable urination; backache; constipation; pelvic pain or pressure and infertility.
How are they diagnosed?
Uterine fibroids are usually found during a routine pelvic examination. If you have severe menstrual symptoms or other pelvic problems, your gynaecologist may recommend an ultrasound scan to determine the cause of the problem and the fibroids may be seen on the scan.
Do all fibroids have to be treated?
It is important to know that most fibroids do not need treatment. It is crucial for women to be aware that the diagnosis of fibroids on routine pelvic exam or ultrasound scanning does not automatically necessitate a hysterectomy. Your gynaecologist will evaluate your condition and make a recommendation based on:
* the amount of blood loss and pain during menstrual periods
* the rate of growth of the fibroid
* your age, physical condition, and desire for further childbearing
How are they treated?
For fibroids that require treatment, your doctor may suggest a myomectomy or a hysterectomy. A myomectomy is a type of surgery used to remove the fibroids without removing the uterus. A myomectomy can be technically more difficult than a hysterectomy and can lead to greater blood loss. The myomectomy may cause a deep scar on the uterus. The scar might make it necessary for you to have a caesarean delivery if you become pregnant.
In a hysterectomy the gynaecologist removes the uterus along with the fibroids. If you are close to menopause, your gynaecologist may prescribe medicine to control your symptoms until you attain menopause, so that you need not undergo surgery.
Will fibroids cause problems in the long run?
Small fibroids that do not grow usually have no lasting effects. If you have symptoms caused by growing or enlarged fibroids, the symptoms will probably continue until the growths are removed surgically, or until they begin to shrink and disappear after menopause.
Are there methods to shrink the fibroids?
There are medicines that can cause the fibroids to shrink temporarily but this effect will last only for a few months and then the fibroids sometimes grow even larger than the original size. Embolisation is a technique that is an expensive alternative to a hysterectomy.
What can be done to help prevent uterine fibroids?
No sure way is known to prevent fibroids from developing or recurring.
GITA ARJUN
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