Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate in the uterus (womb). Although they are composed of the same smooth muscle fibers as the uterine wall (myometrium), they are many times denser than normal myometrium. Uterine fibroids are usually round or semi-round in shape.
Uterine fibroids are often described based upon their location within the uterus. Subserosal fibroids are located beneath the serosa (the lining membrane on the outside of the organ).
Most women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms. However, abnormal uterine bleeding is the most common symptom of a fibroid. If the tumors are near the uterine lining, or interfere with the blood flow to the lining, they can cause heavy periods, painful periods, prolonged periods or spotting between menses.
Women with excessive bleeding due to fibroids may develop iron deficiency anemia. Uterine fibroids that are deteriorating can sometimes cause severe, localized pain. Fibroids can also cause a number of symptoms depending on their size, location within the uterus, and how close they are to adjacent pelvic organs
– Pressure, – Pelvic pain, – Pressure on the bladder with frequent or even obstructed urination – Pressure on the rectum with pain during defecation
While fibroids do not interfere with ovulation, they may impair fertility and lead to poorer pregnancy outcomes. In particular, submucosal fibroids that deform the inner uterine cavity are most strongly associated with decreases in fertility.
– Genetic abnormalities – Alterations in growth factor (proteins formed in the body that direct the rate and extent of cell proliferation) expression – Abnormalities in the vascular (blood vessel) system – Tissue response to injury – Family history is a key factor, since there is often a history of fibroids developing in women of the same family.
To play a role in the development of fibroids following are suggested possibilities:
For the most part, uterine fibroids that do not cause a problem for the woman can be left untreated. In some cases, even fibroids that are not causing symptoms require removal or at least close observation.
Rapid growth is a reason to watch more carefully, since a rare cancerous form of fibroid (referred to as a leiomyosarcoma) is usually a fast-growing tumor, and it cannot be differentiated from a benign fibroid by ultrasound, MRI, or other imaging studies.
Uterine fibroids are diagnosed by pelvic exam and even more commonly by ultrasound. Often, a pelvic mass cannot be determined to be a fibroid on pelvic exam alone, and ultrasound is very helpful in differentiating it from other conditions such as ovarian tumors
Surgical treatments of Fibroid
There are many ways of managing uterine fibroids. Surgical methods are the mainstay of treatment when treatment is necessary. Possible surgical interventions include hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus (and the fibroids with it).
Uterine fibroids are identified in about 10% of pregnant women. Some studies have shown an increased risk of pregnancy complications in the presence of fibroids, such as first trimester bleeding, breech presentation, placental abruption, and problems during labor.
Fibroids have also been associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery. The size of the fibroid and its precise location within the uterus are likely to be important factors in determining whether a fibroid causes obstetric complications.
1. Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that originate in the uterus (womb). 2. It is not known exactly why women develop uterine fibroids. 3. Most women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms. 4. However, fibroids can cause a number of symptoms depending on their size, location within the uterus, and how close they are to adjacent pelvic organs. 5. Uterine fibroids are diagnosed by pelvic exam and even more commonly by ultrasound.