What are fibroids | Dr. Rama Sofat Hospital

What are fibroids | Dr. Rama Sofat Hospital

Fibroids are abnormal growths that develops in or on a woman’s uterus. Sometimes, these tumors become quite large and cause severe abdominal pain and heavy periods. In other cases, they cause no signs or symptoms at all.

As per Dr Rama Sofat fibroids may range in size, from the size of a pea to the size of a softball or small grapefruit. 

What causes uterine fibroids and how common are they?

Dr. Rama Sofat explains that genetic abnormalities, alterations in growth factor (proteins formed in the body that direct the rate and extent of cell proliferation) expression, abnormalities in the vascular (blood vessel) system, and tissue response to injury have all been suggested to play a role in the development of fibroids.

FAMILY HISTORY

As per Dr. Rama Sofat fibroids may run in the family history. If your mother, sister, or grandmother has a history of this condition, you may develop it as well. Early pregnancy decreases the likelihood that fibroids will develop. Fibroids have not been observed in girls who have not reached puberty, but adolescent girls may rarely develop fibroids. Other factors that researchers have associated with an increased risk of developing fibroids include having the first menstrual period (menarche) prior to age 10, consumption of alcohol (particularly beer), uterine infections, and elevated blood pressure(hypertension).

HORMONES

As per Dr. Rama Sofat estrogen tends to stimulate the growth of fibroids in many cases. During the first trimester of pregnancy, about a third of fibroids will enlarge and then shrink after the birth. In general, fibroids tend to shrink after menopause, but postmenopausal hormone therapy may cause symptoms to persist.

Overall, these tumors are fairly common and occur in about 70% to 80% of all women by the time they reach age 50. Most of the time, uterine fibroids do not cause symptoms or problems, and a woman with a fibroid is usually unaware of its presence.

Types of Fibroids

Different fibroids develop in different locations in and on the uterus.

Intramural Fibroids

Dr. Rama Sofat explains that intramural fibroids are the most common type of fibroid. These types appear within the muscular wall of the uterus. Intramural fibroids may grow larger and can stretch your womb.

Subserosal Fibroids

Subserosal fibroids form on the outside of your uterus, which is called the serosa. They may grow large enough to make your womb appear bigger on one side.

Pedunculated Fibroids

When subserosal tumors develop a stem (a slender base that supports the tumor), they become pedunculated fibroids.

Submucosal Fibroids

As per Dr. Rama Sofat these types of tumors develop in the middle muscle layer (myometrium) of the uterus. Submucosal tumors are not as common as other types, but when they do develop, they may cause heavy menstrual bleeding and trouble conceiving.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

Symptoms of uterine fibroids may include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods

• Abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods

• Pelvic pain (caused as the tumor presses on pelvic organs)

• Frequent urination

• Low back pain

• Pain during intercourse

                                          

                                    

  

How are fibroids diagnosed?

         Fibroids are most often found during a routine pelvic examination. This, along with an abdominal                 examination, may indicate a firm, irregular pelvic mass to the physician

• X-ray: Electromagnetic energy used to produce images of bones and internal organs onto film.

• Transvaginal ultrasound (also called ultrasonography): An ultrasound test using a small instrument, called a transducer, that is placed in the vagina.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): A non-invasive procedure that produces a two-dimensional view of an internal organ or structure.

• Hysterosalpingography: X-ray examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes that uses dye and is often performed to rule out tubal obstruction.