What are Fibroids?
Fibroids are abnormal growths in or on the uterus of women. These tumors can grow to be quite large, causing severe stomach pain and heavy periods. In some circumstances, they produce no symptoms at all. The growths are usually noncancerous or benign. Fibroids have no recognized cause. Fibroids range in size from tiny seedlings that are undetectable to enormous masses that deform and expand the uterus. A single fibroid or a group of them can be present. Multiple fibroids can cause the uterus to enlarge to the point where it reaches the rib cage, causing weight gain.
Fibroids are also known by the following means:
- Leiomyomas
- Myomas
- Uterine myomas
- Fibromas
Fibroids Types
Treatment suggestions are influenced by the type of fibroids as well as their size and number. Fibroids are divided into three categories:
Subserosal Fibroids
Fibroids of this type is the most frequent. They can push through the uterus and into the pelvis. Subserosal fibroids can become large and have a stalk that attaches to the uterus at times (pedunculated fibroid).
Intramural Fibroids
The fibroids develop in the muscular wall of the uterus
Submucosal Fibroids
The fibroids are very uncommon. It will grow in the open space that is inside the uterus and it may also include a stalk.
Fibroids Causes
It's still a mystery what creates fibroids. Their growth could be influenced by a person's estrogen levels. Estrogen and progesterone levels are higher during a woman's reproductive years. Fibroids enlarge when estrogen levels are high, especially during pregnancy. Fibroid shrinking has been linked to low estrogen levels. This can happen before, during, or after menopause. It can also happen if you're using gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), agonists, or antagonists, for example. Fibroid development may also be influenced by genetic factors. Having a close relative with fibroids, for example, is linked to an increased risk of developing them. There is some evidence that shows red meat, alcohol, and caffeine are associated with a higher risk of Fibroids.
Fibroids Symptoms
Many women with fibroids have no symptoms at all. The location, size, and number of fibroids can affect symptoms in persons who have them. The following are the most prevalent indications and symptoms of uterine fibroids in women who have them:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Menstrual periods that last more than a week
- Pelvic pressure or pain
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Constipation
- Backache or leg pains
When a fibroid outgrows its blood supply and begins to die, it can cause severe pain. The location of fibroids is used to classify them. Intramural fibroids develop within the uterine muscle wall. Fibroids in the submucosa protrude into the uterine cavity. Subserosal fibroids protrude from the uterus's surface.
Diagnosis
The diagnostic tests listed below can assist a clinician in detecting fibroids and ruling out other conditions:
They may swab your throat if you have a sore throat to check for bacteria that causes strep throat. If the test results are negative, you are most likely infected with a virus. They can also collect a sample of your blood or other bodily fluid to look for indicators that indicate a viral infection, such as your white blood cell count. For identifying the virus the doctor may ask a person to go through blood, sputum and urine. The sample collected helps the doctor in diagnosing various diseases such as dengue, malaria, chikungunya, typhoid, etc.
Ultrasound Scans
By scanning the abdomen or putting a small ultrasound probe into the vagina, a doctor can create ultrasound images. Both methods may be required to detect fibroids.
MRI Scans
It will determine the size and number of fibroids
Hysteroscopy
A doctor will use a small gadget with a camera attached to the end of it to inspect the inside of the uterus during a hysteroscopy. The gadget will be inserted through the vaginal canal and into the uterus through the cervix. They may also extract a tissue sample, known as a biopsy, to check for cancer cells if necessary.
Laparoscopy
A laparoscopy may also be performed by a doctor. They will use a short, illuminated tube to inspect the outside of the uterus and its surrounding structures through a small incision in the abdomen. They may also do a biopsy if necessary.
Fibroids Treatments
If the woman has no symptoms and the fibroids are not interfering with her daily life, she may not need treatment. Because high estrogen levels cause fibroids to develop faster, gynecologists may prescribe drugs to reduce estrogen production without affecting fertility. The patient may need surgery depending on the symptoms and size of the fibroids. The following are the surgical techniques for treating fibroids:
Hysterectomy
The uterus is removed during a hysterectomy operation. It is mostly recommended for women who have big fibroids. Ovaries and the uterus are sometimes removed together.
Myomectomy
Myomectomy is a surgical technique that removes uterine fibroids. This technique is highly recommended for women who want to conceive.
Laparoscopy
Laparoscopy is recommended for women who have fibroids that are tiny in size and few in number. This operation is typically used to remove one or two fibroids that have grown outside the uterus.
Complications
Fibroids very rarely result in complications, but sometimes they can show up. Periods that are consistently heavy might have an impact on a person's quality of life. Anemia can develop as a result of significant blood loss. Large fibroids can cause lower abdominal swelling and discomfort, as well as constipation and uncomfortable bowel motions. Some may develop urinary tract infections as a result of fibroids.
Some women may have difficulties conceiving. Estrogen levels grow dramatically during pregnancy, which can lead to preterm birth, labor complications, and pregnancy loss. There is insufficient data to establish that myomas lower the chances of becoming pregnant, regardless of whether or not fertility therapy is used.
Complications
- The most frequent tumor in the reproductive tract is uterine fibroids.
- Fibroids are most common in women who are approaching menopause.
- Fibroids are most frequently discovered during a normal pelvic examination.
- Serious symptoms might include Heavy and prolonged periods, bleeding between periods, and pelvic pain
