Fibroid tumors in pregnancy
Fibroid tumors are usually undetected non-cancerous masses
that grow in the uterus. Several types of fibroids are found in the uterus, and
women often have several fibroids of different sizes. In most cases, fibroid
tumors are painless. Fibroids may also be called as myoma,
leiomyoma, leiomyomata, and fibromyoma.
What causes uterine fibroids?
The definitive cause
of fibroids is unknown, but appears to be related to estrogen. This
relationship between fibroids and estrogen is known because tumors grow when
taking birth control pills containing estrogen and during pregnancy when more
hormones are released. After menopause, when estrogen is no longer produced,
tumors shrink and even disappear.
What are the types of uterine fibroids?
Fibroids are
classified according to their location in the uterus. There are four main types
of fibroids:
- Subserosal fibroids: Fibroids that develop on the outside of the
uterus and continue to grow outward. They usually do not affect a woman's menstrual
cycle, but they can cause pain due to their size and pressure on other organs.
- Intramural fibroids: fibroids that grow in the wall of the
uterus and expand, making the uterus appear larger than normal. Symptoms
associated with intramural fibroids are heavy menstrual flow, pelvic pain, back
pain, frequent urination, and pressure. This is the most common type of
fibroids.
- Submucosal fibroids: A type of fibroid that grows just under the
lining of the uterine cavity. This is the least common type of fibroid;
however, these types of fibroids usually cause symptoms such as heavy and
prolonged periods.
- Pedunculated fibroids: This type of fibroid occurs when a fibroid
grows on a stalk. Pedunculated fibroids can grow both inside the uterus and
outside it.
A woman often has
multiple fibroids, and she may have one or all of these types of fibroids.
How are uterine fibroids diagnosed?
Fibroids are usually
discovered when a doctor performs a pelvic exam and feels for lumps in the
uterus. To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will perform a CT scan or
ultrasound. These are non-invasive procedures that allow you to visualize your
internal organs.
What health problems are associated with uterine fibroids?
Fibroid tumors may
not be a problem for some women, and in some cases, treatment may be directed
at relieving symptoms. Fibroid tumors can cause problems for women who want to
get pregnant because the tumors can grow into the wall of the uterus, making
implantation of a fertilized egg questionable. Fibroid tumors can also cause
pelvic pain and heavy bleeding in some women.
What are the treatments for uterine fibroids?
If there are multiple
fibroids, it will be difficult to determine which fibroid is causing your
symptoms. In many cases there will be small undetected fibroids, so multiple
fibroids should be expected when discussing treatment options.
The choice of the
appropriate procedure is between you and your doctor, but the following factors
influence the recommended approach:
- Size and location
- Severity of symptoms
- Childbearing plans
- Severe symptoms often lead to the recommendation of a hysterectomy.
Each of the following
procedures serves as a treatment option, especially for women who still want to
have children:
- Myomectomy: A surgical procedure performed to remove
only tumors from the uterus. This procedure is more dangerous than a
hysterectomy, but it's an option if you still want to get pregnant.
- Embolization: This is a surgical procedure that cuts off
the blood supply to fibroids. This is a common procedure when symptoms are not
severe.
- Myolysis: A procedure that uses electric current to shrink fibroids.