Customer question:
What is a uterine fibroid? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
A uterine fibroid is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor that grows from the muscular wall of the uterus. It comprises smooth muscle cells and fibrous tissue and can appear as a single tumor or in groups. Fibroids can vary in size, from microscopic to large growths that can cause significant enlargement of the uterus. Although the exact cause of the appearance of fibroids is unknown, hormones, especially estrogen and progesterone, stimulate their growth.
Fibroids are more common in women of childbearing age and often decrease after menopause when the levels of these hormones decline. Genetics plays an important role, as fibroids are more common in women with relatives with the same problem. Fibroids can cause symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged periods, pelvic pain, pressure on the bladder, and difficulty conceiving or becoming pregnant. However, they often do not cause symptoms and are discovered incidentally during routine gynecological examinations. Fibroids are usually diagnosed by ultrasound.
Are uterine fibroids cancerous?
Uterine fibroids are almost always benign (non-cancerous) and rarely become cancerous. Less than 1% of fibroids develop into a malignant tumor called leiomyosarcoma. Leiomyosarcomas are aggressive cancerous tumors that originate in the muscle tissue of the uterus. It is not known whether benign fibroids can transform into leiomyosarcoma or if they develop independently. Although the risk of malignancy is shallow, it is essential to monitor fibroids significantly if new or existing symptoms worsen. Common symptoms of fibroids include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, difficulty conceiving, and an enlarged abdomen. In the case of a sudden change in the size of the fibroid or rapid growth, the doctor should perform additional tests to rule out possible malignancy.
Can uterine fibroids go away on their own?
Uterine fibroids usually do not go away on their own. In most cases, fibroids do not change without treatment and may remain stable or grow. This means that if you have been diagnosed with fibroids, it is likely that you will need treatment if they cause symptoms or are discovered during routine gynecological examinations. Rarely, fibroids may shrink or shrink temporarily due to changes in hormonal balance, such as during pregnancy or after menopause, when estrogen levels drop. However, even in these cases, fibroids usually do not disappear entirely but can only be temporarily reduced.
Is surgery necessary to remove a uterine fibroid?
Uterine fibroid removal is not always necessary and depends on several factors, including the size of the fibroid, location, symptoms, the patient's age, and her wishes regarding treatment. Various treatment options are available, some of which do not require surgery.
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