Fibroid Tumors
What are Fibroid Tumors?
Fibroid tumors are non-cancerous masses of fibrous tissue that grow in the uterus. Many times these tumors go undetected and don’t cause any real pain. However, there are four different types of fibroid tumors and it is not uncommon for a woman to experience one or more of these fibroid tumors at a time.
The 4 types are as follows:
1. Subserosal Fibroids — This type of tumor develops on the outer portion of the uterus and continues to grow outwards.
2. Intramural Fibroids — Beginning in the uterine wall and expanding can make the uterus feel larger than normal. This is the most common type of fibroid tumor.
3. Submucosal Fibroids — This is the least common type of fibroid tumor because it develops under the lining of the uterine cavity.
4. Pedunculated Fibroids — This is a rather unique type of fibroid tumor that grows on a stalk either in the uterus or on the outside of the uterus.
What do Fibroid Tumors have to do with fertility?
Because fibroid tumors grow in and around the uterus, this condition can make it very difficult for a woman to conceive, rendering her infertile. These massive growths can make the implantation of an egg difficult, if not impossible. Furthermore, if the fibroid tumors continue to grow untreated, they can eventually block the fallopian tubes so that an egg can’t pass through.
What causes fibroid tumors?
The exact cause of fibroid tumors is unknown but what is known is that there is a strong correlation between estrogen production and fibroid tumors. The more estrogen a woman has in her body, the more likely she is to have fibroids. That is why women who have not started menstruating are not at risk for tumors and women who are in menopause are not at risk either.
What are the symptoms of fibroid tumors?
Many women will have absolutely no symptoms of fibroid tumors. However, for women who do experience symptoms they will have the following:
~ Pelvic pain
~ Increased menstrual cramps and flow
~ Irregular menstruation
~ Blood clots
~ Bloating
~ Constipation
~ Increased urination
~ An enlarged abdomen that is commonly mistaken for weight gain or pregnancy
~ Pain during sexual intercourse
~ Pain in the back of the legs
How are fibroid tumors diagnosed?
A majority of fibroid tumors are discovered and diagnosed during a woman’s yearly gynecological exam. Once they are detected during a physical exam, your doctor will likely order an ultrasound or an MRI to confirm this diagnosis and to determine the size and location of the fibroid tumor.
What treatment options are available for fibroid tumors?
The good news is that there are alot of options available to treat fibroid tumors. The bad news is that depending on the treatment option chosen, some women may never be able to have children on their own. There are two types of treatments available: surgical and non-surgical.
Surgical treatments include:
1. Myomectomy — All of the tumors are surgically removed from the uterus leaving the woman able to get pregnant.
2. Embolization — The blood supply is cut off from the fibroids leaving them to shrink and eventually die. This is another good treatment for women who are looking to conceive.
3. Hysterectomy — This option is a last resort for women who have tried every other treatment. This involves the complete removal of the uterus and leaves the woman infertile.
The non-surgical options include:
1. Watchful Waiting — This is a process in which your doctor will just wait and watch the tumors to see if they grow or change. Typically routine ultrasounds are necessary to monitor the tumors.
2. Hormone Therapy — GnRH is a hormone treatment that causes these fibroid tumors to shrink.
3. Myolysis — The use of electric shock treatments to shrink the fibroids.
