Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) tumours, commonly seen in women of childbearing age. Fibroids are composed of muscle cells and other tissues. They develop in and around the wall of the uterus or womb. Based on their location within the uterus, uterine fibroids can be classified as:
Subserosal fibroids: Sited beneath the serosa (the membrane covering the outer surface of the uterus)
Submucosal fibroids: Sited inside the uterine cavity below the inside layer of the uterus
Intramural fibroids: Sited within the muscular wall of the uterus
Intracavitary fibroids: Sited inside the uterine cavity
Pedunculated fibroids: Develop on a stalk
The exact cause for the development of fibroids remains unknown, but some of the proposed causes include:
Genetic abnormalities
Alterations in expression of growth factor (a protein involved in the rate and extent of cell proliferation)
Abnormalities in the vascular system
Tissue response to injury
Family history of fibroids
Uterine infection
Consumption of alcohol
Elevated blood pressure
Hormonal imbalance during puberty
The majority of women with uterine fibroids may be asymptomatic. However, the basic symptoms associated with fibroids include:
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Prolonged menstrual periods
Pelvic pressure or pain
Frequent urination
Constipation
Backache or leg pain
Difficulty in emptying your bladder
The diagnosis of uterine fibroids involves a pelvic examination, followed by an ultrasound evaluation. Other imaging techniques such as MRI scans and CT scans may also be employed.
Different methods are being used for managing uterine fibroids. Surgery is considered the best modality of treatment. The common surgeries performed for the management of fibroids include:
Myomectomy or selective removal of the fibroids within the uterus
Destructive techniques involve boring holes into the fibroids with a laser or freezing probes (cryosurgery)
Other techniques employed are uterine artery embolisation (UAE) and uterine artery occlusion (UAO)
Hysterectomy or removal of the uterus
Non-surgical methods comprising steroidal medication are also used to stabilise the oestrogen levels in the body.
Some studies indicate that the presence of uterine fibroids during pregnancy increases the risk of complications, such as first trimester bleeding, breech presentation, placental abruption, increased chance of caesarean section and problems during labour.
Other Related Services:
Obstetrician For Endometriosis
Gynecologist For Pelvic Inflammatory Disease
Gynaecologist For Menopause
Obstetrician For Post Menopausal Bleeding
Gynecologist For Uterovaginal Prolapse
Gynaecologist For Infertility
Obstetrician For Recurrent Miscarriages
Obstetrician For Womens Health
Gynaecologist For Pap Test
Obstetrician For Abnormal Pap Smear
Gynecologist For Colposcopy
Gynaecologist For PCOS
Obstetrician For Contraception
Gynecologist For Menorrhagia
