25 percent of American women have significant symptoms associated with fibroids. Over one-third of the hysterectomies performed in the U.S. are for treatment of fibroids.  Get information on managing these tumors.

Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors composed of muscle cells and other tissues. They are also known as leiomyomata or myomas and can be classified into three main types, depending upon their location. Submucosal fibroids are located under the uterine lining. Intramural fibroids grow between the muscles of the uterus. Subserosal fibroids are located on the outside of the uterus.

Researchers estimate about 70 to 80 percent of women have one or more fibroids by the time they reach 50. For an unknown reason, African American women are about three times more likely to have fibroids than white women.

Many women aren’t aware they have a fibroid until it’s detected during a gynecological exam. But, according to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, about 25 percent of American women have significant symptoms associated with the growths, like heavy menstrual bleeding, fatigue (caused by bleeding and anemia), pelvic pain or pressure, increased need to urinate, infertility and frequent miscarriages. For some women, the symptoms can be severe and disabling.

Treating Fibroids
Fibroids that are causing no symptoms or problems are generally not treated. Women who have significant symptoms may initially be offered medications (like birth control pills or a progestin-releasing IUD) that reduce excess bleeding. But these drugs don’t stop fibroids from growing or new ones from forming.

There are several types of surgical therapy for fibroids. A myomectomy is the surgical removal of the fibroids. This procedure leaves the healthy areas of the uterus intact and may be preferred for women who want to preserve their ability to have children. Once removed, the fibroid will not grow back, but new ones can develop elsewhere in the uterus.

A newer treatment for fibroids is uterine artery embolization. In this procedure doctors block the artery providing blood flow to the fibroid. Without a blood supply, the fibroid shrinks. Menstrual periods will resume, but blood flow is significantly reduced. Uterine artery embolization can affect fertility or lead to complications in a future pregnancy. The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologist recommends that women who want to preserve their fertility consider other forms of treatment for fibroids.

Another option for fibroids is hysterectomy, or removal of the uterus. Researchers estimate over one-third of the hysterectomies performed in the U.S. are for treatment of fibroids. Because the procedure eliminates the ability to have children, it’s typically reserved for women who have very large fibroids, don’t want children or are past their childbearing years.

Traditionally, a hysterectomy is performed with a large abdominal incision, leading to significant postoperative pain and a prolonged recovery. Stacey Scheib, M.D., Gynecologic Surgeon with Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN, says more surgeons are using small incisions and laparoscopic techniques to perform a hysterectomy. The most recent innovation in minimally invasive surgery is the single port access technique, in which surgeons remove the uterus through a single incision made in the belly button. Scheib says patients have significantly less pain and are able to return to work more quickly. In addition, the cosmetic result is more acceptable because scar remains hidden inside the belly button.

AUDIENCE INQUIRY
For general information on fibroids:
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologist, http://www.acog.org
National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, http://www.nichd.nih.gov
National Women’s Health Information Center, http://www.womenshealth.gov

Research compiled and edited by Barbara J. Fister

© 2010 Medstar Television, Inc. All Rights Reserved
 

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Comments (1)

 Lyn says:

2010-Feb-08 09:27

Lyn

Here you go.

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