Uterine Fibroids: Exploring Symptoms & Treatment

Dr.Taruna Dua, 4 mins read

Uterine Fibroids: Exploring Symptoms & Treatment
Uterine fibroids or leiomyomas are the abnormal growth of muscles and tissues in or on the uterus wall. They are typically smooth rounded bumps. Sometimes they attach with a thin stem cell, which makes them look like mushrooms.

Usually, uterine fibroids are non-cancerous and almost do not turn into cancer. They can vary in number. Some can have only one fibroid, while others can have more.

They even vary in size. Some are so small that they can not be easily seen with the naked eye, whereas others can grow to the size of a watermelon. Sometimes they can distort the inside and outside of the uterus.

Symptoms:
Most people don’t notice any symptoms. In those who do, symptoms are generally influenced by the location, number and size of the fibroids:

• Painful or excessive bleeding during the period
• Pain during sex
• Pain in the stomach area or lower back
• Bloating or feeling of fullness
• Chronic vaginal discharge
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• More frequent periods
• Pain or pressure in the pelvis
• Inability to empty the bladder
• Make the affected person look pregnant due to enlargement of the abdomen if it is large

Based on the location of the fibroids, they are grouped into four types:

• Intramural fibroids grow into the muscular wall of the uterus.
• Submucosal fibroids form under the inner lining of the uterus.
• Subserosal fibroids grow on the outer side of the uterus.
• Pedunculated fibroids attach to the uterus with a stalk or stem.

Treatment:
The treatment depends on the type, size, numbers and symptoms of uterine fibroids. If there are no symptoms and the size is not large, watchful waiting could be the best option. If you need treatment, your doctor will recommend a treatment regimen. However, with any treatment option that does not involve removing the uterus, there are chances of regrowth of fibroids.

Medicines: Medicines for uterine fibroids target the hormones that regulate the menstrual cycle. They help treat the symptoms and shrink the fibroids. There are several medicines available in the market. Ask your doctor which medicine will be beneficial for you.

Non-invasive approach: A relatively new technology, named MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS), is used in many cases. The best part is that no incision is made or no tool is placed in the body. It preserves the uterus and is done on an outpatient basis. This means you can go home on the same day of the surgery. During the procedure, you’ll be inside an MRI scanner. This will give the live and precise location of uterine fibroids. Then, the ultrasound device uses sound waves to heat and destroy the fibroid tissues.

Minimally invasive procedures: These procedures involve small cuts, leading to faster recovery, less scarring and fewer complications. These procedures include:

• Uterine artery embolization: The doctor injects embolic agents into the arteries that supply blood to the fibroids. This cuts off the blood supply to the fibroids, causing them to shrink and die.
• Laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation: In this procedure, radiofrequency energy is used to destroy the uterine fibroids and shrink the blood vessels that supply blood to them. It is suggested to those who have reached their menopause.
• Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy: This procedure involves removing the fibroids from the uterus through smaller cuts.
• Hysteroscopic myomectomy: If the fibroids are inside the uterus, they are removed through tools inserted from the vagina.
• Endometrial ablation: This procedure is not right for everyone, especially for those planning pregnancy in the future. During this procedure, a device is inserted into the uterus to destroy the endometrium. This reduces heavy menstrual flow.

Traditional approach or open surgeries:

• Abdominal myomectomy: This type of surgery removes the fibroids through a large cut in the abdomen.
• Hysterectomy: It is the only proven permanent treatment for uterine fibroids wherein the uterus is removed. It is a good option for those who are not planning pregnancies in the future.