Fibroid tumors are non-cancerous tumors of the uterus. They are also called leiomyomas or myomas and are composed of muscular tissue. Fibroids are usually painless but they are capable of causing serious complications; for this reason, many women opt to have them removed. They may appear as one tumor but they are more commonly found in groups. These tumors vary in size from microscopic to larger than a grapefruit.
Prevalence
The Mayo Clinic reports that around 75 percent of women will have a fibroid tumor. They can occur at any time after puberty, but are most common between the ages of 30 and 50.
Symptoms
The National Women's Health Information Center explains that most women who have fibroid tumors exhibit no symptoms. Others experience unusual vaginal bleeding.The period may be heavier than normal or bleeding may occur between periods. Less common symptoms include pain during intercourse, a frequent need to urinate, increased abdominal girth, an inability to fully empty the bladder, back pain, constipation, leg pain, infertility, pelvic pressure and pelvic pain.
Cause/Risk Factors
The exact cause of fibroid tumors is unknown but it is felt to be related to estrogen and possibly other hormones. Genetic influences also seem to affect tumor development. Risk factors include being African-American and having a blood relative with the disorder. It is possible that being obese increases one's risk of developing fibroid tumors.
Treatment
No treatment is required in many cases, only monitoring. The patient is then followed over her childbearing years to make sure the tumors do not grow too large or grow in number until they press on other organs or interfere with childbearing. Tumors that bleed or cause complications are often treated with myomectomy or hysterectomy. A myomectomy is performed when the woman wishes to remain able to bear a child. It is a surgical procedure that removes the tumors while keeping the uterus intact. Fibroid tumors can return after a myomectomy. A hysterectomy is often chosen for women who do not wish to bear children in the future. With a hysterectomy, the uterus is removed and future fibroid growth is impossible. Other options include ablation of the endometrium, a procedure to block the blood supply to the fibroids and burning or freezing of the tumors.
A gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist may be prescribed to help shrink the size of the fibroid tumors. Other medications may be ordered to treat the symptoms associated with this condition.
Complications
Complications of leimyomas include infertility, hemorrhage and anemia. The National Women's Health Information Center explains that women with fibroids have a greatly increased risk of needing to give birth by cesarean section.
References
- The National Women's Health Information Center: Uterine Fibroids: Frequently Asked Questions
- Mayo Clinic: Uterine Fibroids
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing;" Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
