I've Done A Pelvis Scan Recently and the Doctor told Me I Have Fibroid, What Are They?

Fibroid can be commonly found in a pelvis scan report

What Are Fibroid?

Fibroid are abnormal growths that develop 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. The growths are typically benign (non-cancerous). The cause of fibroid is unknown and not specify.

Some fibroid can cause abdominal discomfort

Multiple fibrosis

Types of Fibroid

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

• Intramural Fibroid

These types appear within the lining of the uterus (endometrium). Intramural fibroid may grow larger and actually stretch your womb. According to the U.S. Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health, they are the most common type of fibroid and are found in about 70 percent of women of childbearing age.

• Subserosal Fibroid

Subserosal fibroid 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 Fibroid

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

• Submucosal Fibroid

These types of tumors develop in the inner lining (myometrium) of your 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 Causes Fibroid?

It is unclear why fibroid develop, but several factors may influence their formation.

Bad habits may be the cause

Hormones

Estrogen and progesterone are the hormones produced by the ovaries. They cause the uterine lining to regenerate during each menstrual cycle and may stimulate the growth of fibroid. The Abuse of Family planning pills can be one of the cause.

Hormone Pills

Family History

Fibroid may run in the family. If your mother, sister, or grandmother has a history of this condition, you may develop it as well.

It runs in the family

Pregnancy

Pregnancy increases the production of estrogen and progesterone in your body. Fibroid may develop and grow rapidly while you are pregnant.

Pregnant, also a risk factor

Who Is at Risk for Fibroid?

Women are at greater risk for developing fibroid if they have one or more of the following risk factors: 

• Ageing
• Family History
• Hormone Imbalance
• Overweight 
• Pregnancy 

How do I tell If I have Fibroid and What are the Symptoms of Fibroid?

Your symptoms will depend on the location and size of the tumor(s) and how many tumors you have. If your tumor is very small, or if you are going through menopause, you may not have any symptoms. You have nothing to worry as fibroid may shrink during and after menopause.

The fibroid might just shrink and disappear after menopause

Symptoms of fibroid you may have include: 

• heavy bleeding between or during your periods that includes blood clots 
• pain in the pelvis and/or lower back 
• increased menstrual cramping 
• increased urination 
• pain during intercourse 
• menstruation that lasts longer than usual 
• pressure or fullness in your lower abdomen 
• swelling or enlargement of the abdomen

How Are Fibroid Diagnosed?

You will need to see a gynecologist, who will do a pelvic exam. This exam is used to check the condition, size, and shape of your uterus. You may also need other tests:

• Ultrasound

An ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of your uterus on a screen. This will allow your doctor to see its internal structures and any fibroids present. A transvaginal ultrasound, in which the ultrasound wand (transducer) is inserted into the vagina, may provide clearer pictures since it is closer to the uterus during this procedure.

Fibroid can be visible under ultrasound

• Pelvic MRI

When doctor found something and need further diagnose, This in-depth imaging testing can produce pictures of your uterus, ovaries, and other pelvic organs.

For better view of your fibroid

Do I need Treatment and How are Fibroid Treated?

Your doctor will develop a treatment plan based on your age, the size of your fibroid(s), and your overall health. You may receive a combination of treatments.

• Medications

Medications to regulate your hormone levels may be prescribed to shrink fibroid. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, such as leuprolide (Lupron), will cause your estrogen and progesterone levels to drop, stopping menstruation and shrinking fibroid.

An intrauterine device (IUD) that releases the hormone progestin, over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers, such as ibuprophen, and birth control pills can help control bleeding and pain caused by fibroid, but will not shrink or eliminate them.

Medication

• Surgery

Surgery to remove very large or multiple growths (myomectomy) may be performed. An abdominal myomectomy involves making a large incision in the abdomen to access the uterus and remove the fibroid. The surgery can also be performed laparoscopically, using a few small incisions into which surgical tools and a camera are inserted.

Your physician may perform a hysterectomy (removal of your uterus) if your condition worsens, or if no other treatments work. However, this means that you will not be able to bear children in the future.

Surgical remove of the ovary

• Minimally-Invasive Procedures

A newer and completely non-invasive surgical procedure is forced ultrasound surgery (FUS). You will lie down inside a special MRI machine that allows doctors to visualize the inside of your uterus. High-energy, high-frequency sound waves will be directed at the fibroids to destroy (ablate) them.

forced ultrasound surgery (FUS)

Similarly, myolysis shrinks fibroids using an electric current or laser, while cryomyolysis freezes the fibroids. Endometrial ablation involves inserting a special instrument into your uterus to destroy the uterine lining using heat, electric current, hot water, or microwaves.

What Can Be Expected in the Long-Term?

Your prognosis will depend on the size and location of your fibroid. Fibroid may not need treatment if they are small or do not produce symptoms. If you are pregnant and have fibroid, or become pregnant and have fibroid, your physician will carefully monitor your condition. In most cases, fibroid do not cause problems during pregnancy. Speak with your doctor if you have fibroid and expect to become pregnant.

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