What are fibroids Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus (womb). Another medical term for fibroids is quot; leiomiomaquot; (LeyeohMeyeOHmuh) or just quot; miomaquot;. Fibroids are almost always benign (not cancerous). Fibroids can grow as a single tumor, or there may be many of them in the womb. They can be as small as an apple seed or as large as a grapefruit. In rare cases it can become very large.Why should women know about fibroids Approximately 20 percent to 80 percent of women develop fibroids by the time they reach age 50. Fibroids are more common in women between 40 and 50. Not all women with fibroids have symptoms. Women who have symptoms are often difficult to live fibroids. Some have pain and heavy menstrual bleeding. Fibroids also can put pressure on the bladder, causing frequent urination or rectum, causing rectal pressure. If fibroids become very large, can cause the abdomen (stomach) to expand, making a woman look pregnant.Who fibroids Factors that may increase a woman's risk of developing fibroids.Age. Fibroids are more common with older women, especially during the 30s and 40s through menopause. After menopause, fibroids tend shrink.Family history. Having a family member with fibroids increases your risk. If the woman's mother had fibroids, her risk of having them is about three times the average.Ethnic origin. African American women are more likely to develop fibroids than white women.Obesity. Women who are overweight are at higher risk for fibroids. For very strong women, the risk is two to three times average.Eating habits. Eating lots of red meat (eg beef) and ham is linked with an increased risk of fibroids. Eat lots of vegetables appears to protect women from developing countries can develop fibroids.Where fibroids Most fibroids grow in the uterus wall. Doctors put into three groups based on where they grow: submucosa (submyoocozuhl) fibroids grow in the uterus cavity.Intramural (IHNrogueMYOORUhl) fibroids grow in the wall of the uterus.Subserosal (sub "SuhRohzuhl) fibroids grow outside uterus.Some fibroids grow on stalks that grow off the surface of the uterus or uterine cavity. It might look like mushrooms. These are called pedunculated (PIHDuhnkyoolayTED) fibroids.What are the symptoms of fibroids Most fibroids cause no symptoms, but some women with fibroids can have: heavy bleeding (which may be strong enough to cause anemia or periodsfeeling painful fullness in the pelvic area (lower abdomen) extension of the lower abdomenfrequent during urinationpain sexlower paincomplications back during pregnancy and childbirth, while six others including the risk of cesarean sectionreproductive problems such as infertility, which is very rare. What causes fibroids Nobody knows for sure what causes fibroids. The researchers believe that more one factor may play an important role. These factors include: hormonal (affected by estrogen and progesterone levels), genetic (family) because no one knows for sure what causes fibroids, we do not know what causes increases or decreases. controlboth We know they are low in estrogen and progesterone hormones. They grow rapidly during pregnancy, when hormone levels are high. are reduced when the anti hormone medication is used. Also stop growing or decrease once a woman reaches menopause.Can fibroids turn into cancer Fibroids are almost always benign (not cancerous). rarely (less than one in 1,000) a cancerous fibroid, what happens. This is called leiomyosarcoma (LeyeohohMeye sarcomuh). Doctors think that these cancers do not arise from an existing fibroid. Having fibroids does not increase the risk of developing a cancerous fibroid. fibroids account also does not increase a woman's chances of getting other forms of cancer in the uterus. What if they become pregnant and have fibroids Women who have fibroids are more likely to have problems during pregnancy and childbirth. This does not mean no problems. Most women with fibroids have normal pregnancies. The most common problems seen in women with fibroids are: the cesarean section. The risk of needing a Caesarean section is six times greater for women with breech fibroids.Baby. The baby is not positioned well for vaginal delivery . progress.Placental Labor does not release. The placenta separates from the uterine wall before delivery. When this happens, the fetus does not receive enough delivery.Talk oxygen.Preterm your obstetrician if you have fibroids and become pregnant. All obstetricians have experience dealing with fibroids and pregnancy. Most women who have fibroids and become pregnant do not have to see a gynecologist who handles high risk pregnancies.How know for sure that I have fibroids Your doctor may find that you have fibroids when you see him / her during a pelvic exam to check your uterus, ovaries and vagina. The doctor can feel the fibroid with her or his fingers during a normal pelvic exam, as a (usually painless) lump or mass in the uterus. Often a doctor will describe how small or how large the fibroids are by comparing their size to the size of your uterus if they were pregnant. For example, you can say that fibroids have made your uterus the size would be if they were 16 weeks pregnant. Or the fibroid might be compared with fruits, nuts, or a ball, like a grape or an orange, an acorn or a walnut or a golf ball or a doctor can make images volleyball.Your tests to confirm that they have fibroids. These are tests that create a quot; fotograf�aquot; the inside of your body without surgery. These tests may include: Ultrasound uses sound waves to produce the image. The ultrasound probe can be placed in the abdomen or may be placed in the vagina to make picture.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses magnets and radio waves to produce pictureX rays uses a form of radiation to see inside the body and produce pictureCat Scan (CT) Xray has many images of the body from different angles for a more complete imageHysterosalpingogram (hissturohsalPINjugram) (HSG) or Sonohysterogram (SOHNohHISSturohgram ) The HSG involves injecting xray dye into the uterus and taking xray images Sonohysterogram One involves injecting water into the uterus and making ultrasound pictures.You might also need surgery to know for sure if you have fibroids. There two types of surgery to do this: Laparoscopy (LAParOSScopee) The doctor inserts a long thin scope into a small incision made in or near the navel. The area has a light and a camera. This allows the doctor to view the uterus and other organs on a monitor during the procedure. Images can also made.Hysteroscopy (hissturOSSkohpee) The doctor passes a long thin scope with a light through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. incision is not necessary. The doctor may look inside the uterus for fibroids and other problems, such as polyps. A camera can also be used with scope.What questions should I ask my doctor if I have fibroids How Many fibroids do I have What size is my fibroid (s) "Where is my fibroid (s) located (outer surface, the inner surface or wall of the uterus) Can I expect the fibroid (s) to grow and how have grown rapidly (if known about already) How do I know if the fibroid (s) is getting bigger and what problems can the fibroid (s) cause What tests or imaging studies are best for keeping track of the growth of my fibroids and what are my treatment options if my fibroid (s) becomes a problem What are your views on the treatment of fibroids with a hysterectomy compared with other types of treatments A second opinion is always a good idea if your doctor has not answered your questions completely or does not seem to be fulfilling its needs.How are fibroids treated Most women with fibroids have no symptoms. For women who have symptoms, there are treatments that can help. Talk to your doctor about the best way to treat your fibroids. he or she will consider many things before helping you choose a treatment. Some of these are: yes or no symptoms of fibroidsif you may want to become pregnant in the size futurethe location fibroidsthe fibroidsyour age and how close to menopause may BEIF have fibroids, but have no symptoms, you may not need treatment. Your doctor will check during your regular exams to see if they have fibroids and grown.MedicationsIf mild symptoms, your doctor may suggest taking the medication. Overthecounter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to mild pain. If you have heavy bleeding during your period, taking an iron supplement can keep you from getting anemia or correct it if it anemic.Several are drugs commonly used for birth control may be prescribed to help control symptoms fibroids. lowdose birth control pills control the fibroids do not grow and can help control heavy bleeding. The same is true of progesteronelike injections (eg DepoProvera). The IUD (Intrauterine Device ) called Mirena has a small amount of progesterone, such as drugs, which can be used to control bleeding and for birth control. Other drugs used to treat fibroids are quot; gonadotropinreleasing hormone agonists quot ; (GnRHa). The most commonly used is Lupron. These drugs, administered by injection, nasal spray, or implanted, can shrink fibroids. sometimes used before surgery to make it easier to remove the fibroids. The GnRHas side effects may include hot flashes, depression, sleeplessness, decreased sex drive, and joint pain. GnRHas most women tolerate it very well. Most women do not receive a period of time for GnRHas. This can be a great relief for women who have bleeding. It also allows women with anemia to recover a normal blood count. GnRHas can cause bone thinning, so their use is generally limited to six months or less. These drugs are also very expensive and some insurance companies will cover only part or none of the costs. GnRHas provide temporary relief of symptoms of fibroids, once you stop taking the drugs, fibroids frequently grow back quickly. SurgeryIf moderates have fibroids or severe symptoms, surgery may be the best way to treat them. Here are the options: myomectomy (MeyeohMEKtuhmee) surgery to remove fibroids without removing healthy tissue from the uterus . It is better for women wanting children after treatment for their fibroids or who wish to keep their uterus for other reasons. You can get pregnant after myomectomy. But if the fibroids are deeply embedded in the uterus, you may need a Caesarean section for delivery. myomectomy can be done in many ways. It can be major surgery (involving cutting into the abdomen) or performed with laparoscopy or hysteroscopy. The type of surgery can be done depends on the type, size and location of fibroids. After myomectomy new fibroids can grow and cause problems later. All potential risks of surgery are true for myomectomy. is.Hysterectomy The risks depend on the extent of surgery (hissturEKtuhmee) Surgery to remove the uterus. This surgery is the only sure way to cure uterine fibroids. fibroids are the most common reason that hysterectomy is performed. This surgery is used when a woman's fibroids are large, if the bleeding is heavy, is near or past menopause, or not want children. If the fibroids are large, a woman may need a hysterectomy that involves cutting into the abdomen to remove the uterus. If the fibroids are smaller, the doctor may be able to reach the uterus through the vagina, instead of making a cut in the abdomen. In some cases, a hysterectomy can be performed through the laparoscope. Removal of the ovaries and cervix at the time of hysterectomy is usually optional . Women whose ovaries are not removed is not in menopause at the time of hysterectomy. hysterectomy is major surgery. Although hysterectomy is usually quite strong, which carries a significant risk of complications. Recovery from hysterectomy usually takes several weeks.Endometrial Ablation (endoMEEtreeUhl UHBlayshuhn) the lining of the uterus is removed or destroyed to control heavy bleeding. This can be done with a laser, wire loops, microwave boiling water, electric current, freezing, and other methods. This procedure is generally considered minor surgery. It can be done on an outpatient or office of a doctor. Complications can occur but are rare with most people most of the methods. recover quickly. About half of women who have this procedure have no menstrual bleeding. About three of every 10 women have much lighter bleeding. But a woman can not have children after This surgery.Myolysis (Meye OLuhSISS) A needle is inserted into the fibroids, usually guided by laparoscopy, and electric current or freezing is used to destroy fibroids.Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), or uterine fibroid embolization (UAE) A thin tube is thread into the blood vessels that supply blood to the fibroid. Then, small plastic or gel particles are injected into blood vessels. This blocks the blood supply to the fibroid , causing it to shrink. UFE can be an outpatient procedure or hospitalization. fibroids complications, including premature menopause, are rare but can occur. Studies suggest that it is unlikely to regrow after UFE, but more research long term is necessary. Not all fibroids can be treated with UFE. The best candidates for UFE are women who: have fibroids that are causing great bleedinghave fibroids that cause pain or pressure in the bladder or rectumdon # 39; t want have a hysterectomydon # 39, t want to have children in other futureAre treatments are being developed for uterine fibroids Yes Researchers are studying other ways ultrasound surgery to treat uterine fibroids. The following methods are not yet standard treatments, so your doctor can not offer or health insurance can not cover guided them.MRI shrinks fibroids using a beam of high intensity ultrasound. The MRI scanner helps the doctor locate the fibroid, and sends ultrasound waves very warm sound to destroy the fibroid. ExAblate 2000 System is a medical device that uses this method to destroy uterine care providers health fibroids.Some use lasers to remove a fibroid or to cut off the blood supply to the fibroid, making shrink.Mifepristone it, and other antihormonal drugs being developed, could Provide symptom relief without side effects bonethinning. These are promising treatments, but none are yet available or FDA approved. Other medications are being studied for treatment of fibroids. br br
