Uterine Fibroid Embolization Treatment
Fibroid tumors are solid tumors which are made of fibrous tissue, hence the name 'fibroid' tumor. Uterine Fibroid Diagnosis varies in size and number, is most often slow-growing and usually causes no symptoms. Approximately 25% of fibroid tumors will cause symptoms and need medical treatment.
Fibroid tumors may grow as a single nodule or in clusters and may range in size from 1 mm to more than 20 cm in diameter. Fibroid tumors are the most frequently diagnosed tumor of the female pelvis and the most common reason for a woman to have a hysterectomy. Although they are often referred to as tumors, they are not cancerous.
Types of Fibroid Tumors:
· Submucous Fibroids: These fibroids occur just below the lining of the uterus and can cause menstrual problems, including pain as they grow and move around the pelvic area.
· Intramural Fibroids: A round fibroid most often within the uterine wall which can cause enlargement of the uterus as they grow.
· Subserous Fibroids: This fibroid grows on the outer wall of the uterus and usually causes no symptoms until it grows large enough to interfere with other organs.
· Pedunculated Fibroids: These fibroids develop when a subserous fibroid grows a peduncle (stalk), as they grow larger they may become twisted and cause severe pain.
· Interligamentous Fibroid: A fibroid which grows sideways between the ligaments which support the uterus in the abdominal region. This type of fibroid is especially difficult to remove without the possibility of interfering with the blood supply or other organs.
· Parasitic Fibroid: The rarest form of fibroid tumor occurs when a fibroid attaches itself to another organ.
What causes Fibroid Tumors?
The cause of fibroids is unknown. There is evidence of increased incidence within families. Hormonal influence is significant, particularly estrogen, which stimulates fibroid growth. Fibroids have the potential to enlarge during pregnancy, as well as to regress after menopause.
What are the symptoms of Fibroid Tumors?
Symptoms vary greatly. Some women are fortunate enough to be completely asymptomatic, but their fibroids are usually insignificant in size. Most women experience at least one of the following complaints or side effects:
- Pelvic Pain
- Increased menstrual cramps
- Increased menstrual flow
- Clots
- Irregular or painful periods
- Increased urinary frequency
- Constipation
- Bloating
The cause of fibroid tumors has not actually been determined, but most fibroids develop in women during their reproductive years. Fibroid tumors do not develop before the body begins producing estrogen. Fibroid tumors tend to grow very quickly during pregnancy when the body is producing extra estrogen. Once menopause has begun, fibroid tumors generally stop growing and can begin to shrink due to the loss of estrogen.
Fibroid tumors may be erroneously called fibroid cysts.
Fibroid tumors may be erroneously called fibroid cysts.
