Uterine Fibroid

Assessing uterine mass

Fibroids are mainly non cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus (womb).

A very small percentage can turn into cancer if rapidly grow and increase in blood supply.

These growths is make up of muscle and fibrous tissue, and vary in size. They are sometimes known as uterine myomas or leiomyomas.

Many women are unaware they have fibroids because they do not have any symptoms.

1 in 3 women will have the following symptoms:

- heavy periods or painful periods

- abdominal pain

- lower back pain

- abdominal distension/ bloating

- frequent need to urinate

- constipation

- pain or discomfort during sex.

The exact cause is unknown but may be linked to hormone estrogen.

Treatments:

1/ Small fibroids normally do not need treatment.

2/ Medications can be used to help control the symptoms but not definitive treatment

3/ Surgery:

- MYOMECTOMY - laparoscopy approach to remove the fibroid only

- HYSTERECTOMY - mainly laparoscopic approach. Sometimes bigger incision is needed if the fibroid is too big.