Fibroids
With personalized diagnosis and treatment processes, we provide reliable and qualified support in all areas of our healthcare services.
FIBROIDS ARE THE MOST COMMON REASON FOR HYSTERECTOMY
Many women have heard the word fibroid at some point in their lives. Indeed, fibroids are the most common tumors seen in women. According to studies, 30% of women between the ages of 30 and 60 have fibroids. Fibroids are the most common reason for removal of the uterus, and therefore being diagnosed with fibroids causes some concern among women.
What is a fibroid?
A fibroid is a benign tumor originating from the smooth muscle layer of the uterus. Fibroids appear as a tangled mass formed by muscle cells. As they grow and put pressure on surrounding tissues, they form a “false capsule” around themselves.
How large and how numerous can fibroids be?
Fibroids can range from a few millimeters in diameter to very large sizes that can completely fill the abdomen (for example, 30 cm). Their number may vary from a single fibroid to so many that the uterus resembles a “sack of potatoes” with multiple lumps. They generally tend to grow during pregnancy and shrink after menopause.
Who is more likely to develop fibroids?
Never having given birth, obesity, high blood pressure, or a family history of fibroids increase the risk of developing fibroids.
What kinds of complaints can fibroids cause in women?
Most fibroids do not cause symptoms. However, depending on their location and size, they may cause heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, constipation, difficulty conceiving, pregnancy loss, and similar complaints. Some women may also notice fibroids as a swelling in the abdomen.
How is fibroid diagnosis made?
Finding a large and firm mass in the uterus during examination is considered suggestive of fibroids. Ultrasound is very helpful in diagnosis.
What are the medication treatment options for fibroids?
Unfortunately, there is no medication that completely treats fibroids. However, certain injections may sometimes be used—often before surgery—to temporarily shrink fibroids or reduce blood loss during surgery. These injections create a “temporary menopause” condition in women. Due to their side effects, these medications are not used for long-term treatment.
The definitive treatment for fibroids is surgery. However, “not every fibroid requires surgery!” Surgery may be recommended in cases where;
- There is uncontrollable and excessive menstrual bleeding,
- The fibroid has enlarged the uterus to the size of a 3-month pregnancy or larger,
- The fibroid grows very rapidly during follow-up,
- There is pelvic pain that cannot be explained by another reason,
- The fibroid puts pressure on important structures such as the bladder or intestines,
- There are fibroids in women who have difficulty conceiving or have failed IVF attempts
surgical treatment may be offered.
If the patient wishes to preserve fertility or retain the uterus, only the fibroid(s) are removed during surgery. In women who have completed childbearing, hysterectomy may be performed. These surgeries can be performed either as open surgery or minimally invasive (laparoscopic) surgery.
If some fibroids grow toward the inner cavity of the uterus, they may be removed hysteroscopically through the vagina and cervix by visualizing the inside of the uterus with a camera and shaving the fibroid away. Blocking the uterine arteries radiologically or burning the inside of fibroids are also among the possible treatment options, although they are not yet very common.
Do fibroids recur after surgery?
If only the fibroids are removed, recurrence may occur in 3 out of 10 patients within 10 years after surgery.
Can fibroids turn into cancer?
The possibility of cancer development in fibroids is extremely low (0.1–0.5%).
For diagnosis and treatment options regarding these very common fibroids, a physician should definitely be consulted.
Wishing you healthy and happy days…
Prof. Dr. Ümit İNCEBOZ
Specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology
İRENBE Gynecology and Obstetrics Branch Center, IVF Center
umitinceboz@irenbe.com
