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Fibroids FAQs

What are the available treatments for fibroids and do all fibroids require surgery?

Fibroids can be managed with medicinal and surgical treatments depending on the diagnosis and the doctor’s analysis. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Hormonal Therapy are medicinal treatments for fibroids, while surgical procedures include Laparoscopy, Myomectomy, Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE), and MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery (MRgFUS).

Not all fibroids require treatment. Small, asymptomatic fibroids often only need regular monitoring.

Surgical intervention (laparoscopy) is necessary when symptoms are severe, such as fibroid degeneration, suspicion of cancer, excessive menstrual bleeding, recurrent abortions, organ obstruction and compression, and other severe conditions.

When should fibroids be treated?

The treatment of Fibroids is based on the symptoms.

Treatment for fibroids is necessary in the case of:

  • Repeated conception problems or repeated miscarriages
  • Abnormal menstrual bleeding leading to anaemic condition
  • Unbearable pelvic pain
  • Rapid fibroid growth
  • Frequent urination
  • Bowel obstruction

What symptoms indicate the presence of fibroids?

Fibroids are both symptomatic and asymptomatic. The fibroids that are small in size, rarely exhibit any symptoms but individuals having large fibroids, experience various symptoms.

7 Common Symptoms of Fibroid Condition:

  • Excessive bleeding during menses
  • Irregular and painful periods
  • Passing large during mensuration
  • Heaviness in the abdomen region
  • Tendency to frequently urinate
  • Constipation or irritable bowel syndrome
  • Conception issues (Infertility) or recurrent miscarriages

What are the types of fibroids and where can they develop in the uterus?

To be precise, there are four fibroid types: Intramural Fibroids, Subserosal Fibroids, Submucosal Fibroids, and Pedunculated Fibroids.

Uterus Fibroid Positioning:

  • Intramural Fibroids: develop within the uterus wall.
  • Subserosal Fibroids: develop on the outer surface of the uterus.
  • Submucosal Fibroids: develop just below the inner lining of the uterus.
  • Pedunculated Fibroids: develop as attachments that can grow inside (pedunculated submucosal fibroids) or outside (pedunculated subserosal fibroids) the uterus.

Fibroids can develop anywhere in and around the uterus region.

What are fibroids and how do they differ from cysts?

Fibroids are muscular and fibrous tissue that develop in and around the uterus.

Cysts are sacs containing fluid that can grow anywhere in the body like – skin, ovaries, pancreas, liver, etc.

Fibroid development is confined to the uterus region and does not grow in other body parts/organs.

Structure-wise, fibroids are solid masses but cysts are like fluid capsules having thin membranous walls.

Can uterine fibroid burst?

Spontaneous rupture of fibroids is rare, but certain conditions might cause the fibroid to rupture.

Here are some conditions:

  • During pregnancy, hormonal changes and increased blood flow can cause the fibroids to burst.
  • Any physical pressure or trauma in the abdomen region due to an accident or fall may rupture the fibroid.
  • Very large-sized fibroids have a higher risk of bursting.

Can uterine fibroid be cancerous?

Uterine fibroids are generally non-cancerous and rarely develop into cancer.

It is important to keep a check on certain symptoms that may pose a risk of turning into cancer:

  • If the fibroids continue to grow after menopause then it’s a matter of concern as fibroids usually shrink during the postmenopausal phase.
  • If there is unusual bleeding after menopause in women, it is advised to consult the doctor immediately.
  • A sudden rapid increase in the size of fibroids can suggest cancerous development.
  • Severe pelvic pain and unexpected weight loss are also conditions that cannot be ignored and require medical attention.

Are uterus fibroids cancerous?

Not necessary.

Fibroids are like tumours that develop in the uterus and are very common but not all fibroids are cancerous. Many types of fibroids are asymptomatic and do not require any treatment.

Though uterine fibroids are common in women, the chances of developing cancer are much lower. The estimated risk of developing cancerous fibroid (leiomyosarcoma) is 1 in 1000.

Are fibroids dangerous?

Not all fibroids are dangerous until they are symptomatic. Only those fibroids are considered dangerous and pose problems like menstrual irregularities, painful periods, infertility, recurrent abortions, compression symptoms like urine disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, and other related conditions.

Neglecting fibroids can be dangerous if they are symptomatic.

Are the fibroids in the uterus cause cancer?

Fibroids are non-cancerous growth that develops in and around the uterus. It may develop on the outer surface of the uterus, inside the uterus cavity or on the uterus wall. Having fibroids does not increase the risk of developing cancer. Not all fibroids are cancerous and do not pose the risk of uterine cancer.

It’s only in rare cases that fibroids are diagnosed as cancer.

If you are having fibroids with symptoms then you need to seek medical attention. It is better to consult the doctor and trust the report than relying on personal assumptions.