They "borrow" into the woman's uterus and cause her severe pain, menstrual irregularities, and swelling in her legs, while also causing great concern and questions...
Fibroids, as the scientific name for the balls made up of smooth muscle fibers and fibrous tissue, are small, but non-malignant, tumors that develop in the uterus without anyone knowing exactly why. However, hormones have a positive effect on the growth of fibroids or leiomyomas. As for their treatment, each case has its own method of treatment, which the gynecologist will recommend.
"Usually, fibroids are round and separate from the surrounding uterine tissue," explains to "E.T." the obstetrician-gynecologist of the Mater Maternity Hospital, Dr. Vangelis Gikontes, a member of the Medical Association of England. "The fibroid can be located either inside the body of the uterus or on its outer surface or hang from a stalk. It can also grow in the cervix."
Fibroids don't always ring a bell.
"Even very large fibroids may not be noticed by the woman, especially if she is obese. Whether or not symptoms occur depends on where the fibroid has developed, how large it is, and whether or not the woman is pregnant," explains the doctor.
Usually, however, half of the cases of fibroids exhibit warning symptoms.
Unusual bleeding from the uterus is a sign of fibroids. "Also, the woman often has a longer period (menorrhea), but she may have spotting before her period, as well as blood between periods.
Another symptom is pain if the fibroid is hanging from a stalk that will twist. Also, large fibroids that press on nerves cause pain in the legs or back,” describes Dr. Gikontes.
Along with these, general symptoms are often observed in the body, mainly swelling of the legs, urinary incontinence or frequent urination, and constipation.
"Fibroids can also cause spontaneous abortion. When investigating infertility, we should always take into account the presence of a fibroid."
The first worrying symptoms will bring you to the gynecologist's office for diagnosis through an examination or ultrasound. Fibroids can also be detected during a Pap test.
Is fibroid dangerous when it appears during pregnancy?
"This is by no means a reason for abortion. Pregnant women with large fibroids have fared very well. There are very few cases in which it may be appropriate to recommend an abortion to the woman following fibroids," the gynecologist points out, and recommends that women with fibroids avoid taking hormones and oral contraceptives.
When the fibroids do not exceed two or three, the gynecologist will proceed with their removal (myomectomy).
"In cases where the uterus is full of fibroids and removal is particularly difficult, the larger ones will be removed and the smaller ones will remain."
"In the event, however, that the fibroids do not cause bothersome symptoms in the woman, we can monitor them, hoping that they will shrink with menopause, when the woman's hormones decrease."
Is there a chance that this fibroid could develop into cancer? "The answer is no, although this answer is not entirely accurate. Sometimes fibroids are diagnosed as cancer. In women who have fibroids, there is an increased rate of endometrial polyps being found," concludes gynecologist Mr. Vangelis Gikontes.
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