Fibromas

What are fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths on the uterine wall. Also known as myomas, they usually emerge during a woman's childbearing years y are most often diagnosed in women in their 40s or early 50s. Fibromas can be so small they are virtually undetectable, or so large they distend the uterus. In severe cases involving multiple large fibroids, a woman's uterus may expy upward as far as her rib cage.

Fibromas almost never develop into cancer, y they are not linked to an increased risk of uterine cancer.

Possible symptoms

• Pelvic pressure or lower back pain
• A feeling of fullness or enlargement in the lower abdomen
• Longer, more frequent, or heavier periods
• Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
• Pain during intercourse

Pregnant women with uterine fibroids have an increased risk of complications during pregnancy y labour, y are six times more likely to deliver via cesarean.

Diagnosis y treatment

Fibromas are often found during a routine pelvic exam. If we can feel a fibroid with our fingers, we may perform imaging tests to confirm. This is usually accomplished with an ultrasound. If ultrasound imaging does not reveal enough information, you may undergo a hysteroscopy or a laparoscopy.

If you have small fibroids that do not cause disruptive symptoms, treatment may not be needed. If you are approaching menopause y you have fibroids, you may be able to use a wait y see approach, as fibroids usually shrink during menopause.

Treatment can be very beneficial for women with large fibroids that cause significant symptoms, or for women who want to avoid complications with future pregnancies. A myomectomy is a surgical procedure that removes fibroids while leaving the uterus in place. Anticonceptivos pills y other hormonal medications can reduce pelvic pain y heavy periods. A hysterectomy (removing the uterus) is the only way to completely cure an ongoing fibroid problem.