Uterine fibroids are “benign tumors of the uterus.” Did you know they existed?
We often feel a sense of dread when we hear the word “tumor”. But not all female tumors are scary or cause for great concern. There are even many benign tumors without glaring symptoms or serious warnings. It is worth noting that the word tumor does not mean cancer. The tumor is a collection of abnormal cells from the normal state. The tumor can be benign or cancerous.
Although there are no clear causes of uterine fibroids, some possible causes can be narrowed down. Also, the symptoms that appear with these tumors differ from one patient to another. Diagnosis and treatment methods vary according to need.
At the outset, it is important to note that the word tumor does not mean cancer. The tumor is a collection of abnormal cells from the normal state. The tumor can be benign or cancerous.
Uterine fibroids have several names, including “leiomyomas” or “myomas”. These tumors are noncancerous and occur in the muscular layer of the uterus. It is worth mentioning that the uterus consists of three layers: an inner layer, a middle (muscular) layer, and an outer layer.
Also, these tumors rarely turn into cancer. They may be single or multiple, seed-sized, or become huge clumps. It is worth mentioning that the uterus consists of three layers: an inner layer, a middle (muscular) layer, and an outer layer. These tumors occur in about half of women over the age of thirty. And we see that 90% of women over the age of fifty may be affected by these tumors.² In addition, there are more than 11 million women affected by them in America alone.³
The exact causes of uterine fibroids have not yet been determined. But there are several predisposing factors for these tumors:
These tumors are often clinically silent and the patient does not show any symptoms, especially if the size of the tumor is small. If symptoms do occur, they are affected by the location, size and number of fibroids. In the event that the size of the tumor increases greatly, it will put pressure on neighboring organs such as the bladder, and thus lead to the following symptoms:
A fibroid rarely causes severe pain, unless it grows faster than its own blood supply and begins to atrophy. It also causes discomfort. It may lead to complications such as a low red blood cell count (anemia). Which causes a feeling of exhaustion due to heavy blood loss. But it is not a requirement that the patient needs a blood transfusion because of its loss.
Usually, fibroids do not impede pregnancy. However, it is possible that fibroids, especially submucosal fibroids, can cause infertility or pregnancy loss. Uterine fibroids may also increase the risk of certain pregnancy complications, such as placental abruption, fetal growth restriction, and premature birth.²
These tumors are often discovered incidentally during a pelvic exam or ultrasound during pregnancy. In addition, the prolonged period of menstruation for more than seven days, along with the presence of profuse bleeding, makes us suspect the presence of fibroids.² The diagnosis is made by means of an ultrasound imaging device (echocardiography), at which time an irregular shape of the uterus is observed, which indicates fibroids.
If the doctor doesn’t get enough information from a conventional echocardiogram, he or she may order other imaging tests. Ex: magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hysterosalpingography, hysterosalpingography, hysterosalpingography, hysteroscopy.¹
If the signs and symptoms are mild and can be dealt with, we only monitor and photograph every once in a while. Some medications containing hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle can also be used. But these drugs are limited to the treatment of heavy bleeding during menstruation and pressure on the pelvis. It is important to know that these drugs do not eliminate uterine fibroids, but only shrink them.¹ In addition, iron may be used to treat anemia resulting from large blood loss.²
The most important step in treatment is lifestyle modification and appropriate diet. The diet includes more vegetables and fruits and less meat. The doctor may also resort to surgical treatment. Either focused and guided ultrasound surgery.
This is done through MRI or using endoscopic radiofrequency. The second option is endometrial ablation when abnormal bleeding occurs.¹ Recently, new techniques have been developed to induce blood clots in the arteries supplying these tumors. This results in a decrease in blood supply to the tumor, stopping its growth and leading to atrophy.
Uterine fibroids can greatly affect various aspects of your life. They can hinder pregnancy, affect marital relationships, and lead to other complications such as anemia. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you undergo regular examinations of your uterus to ensure it is free from any benign or malignant tumors.
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