Fibroids are tumors that arise from the muscular layer of the uterus and are considered a common female disease in today's society. This disease, which occurs during adolescence and young adulthood, often targets women between the ages of 30-40. Fibroids, which are caused by hormonal changes, may tend to shrink after menopause. Fibroids that grow with menopause need to be monitored because they are malignant. It is not known what causes fibroids to form. However, it is possible, although highly unlikely, for fibroids to become cancerous.
What is fibroids?
Fibroids, which are formed by an abnormal increase in smooth muscles in the uterus, are the most common benign tumors in the uterus. There are many types of fibroids and they are smooth and limited masses. The hormone estrogen plays a decisive role in fibroids. Familial predisposition is also another factor. This disease, which is affected by hormonal changes, is more common especially during the reproductive period. When hormone levels decrease, these benign tumors shrink in size. However, obese people and those who are not reproductive need to be monitored more frequently.
During pregnancy, fibroids increase in size and can cause pain. Subserous fibroids have risk factors such as infertility, miscarriage and premature birth.
It is known that fibroids, whose exact cause is unknown, are caused by stem cells in the muscle tissue of the uterus. It is characterized by the uncontrolled division and proliferation of one of these cells and the formation of a structure differentiated from similar tissue. They can grow slowly or rapidly and remain as they are. They may disappear spontaneously from time to time. Some factors may predispose to fibroid formation. For example; hormonal changes, genetic predispositions, pregnancy process, racial factor and some environmental factors are in question.
What are the Symptoms of Fibroids?
The most common symptoms of fibroids can be listed as follows:
- Myoma is usually a symptomless disease. However, fibroids negatively affect the contraction function of the uterus. Irregular, prolonged, severe bleeding is a factor for patients to consult a physician. This situation also causes anemia and prepares the ground for fibroids. Patients who consult a physician with certain complaints ignore the bleeding they witness, thinking that it is normal. This causes the disease to come to the fore with deep anemia. Patients may also experience painful and bleeding periods, back pain or pain during sexual intercourse.
- Fibroids that grow over time cause abdominal swelling, abdominal pain, indigestion, gas complaints and constipation. With pressure on the bladder, frequent urination and kidney problems may occur.
- In rare cases, fibroids with stalks can come out of the cavity of the uterus and cause bad odor and discharge based on bleeding and infection after intercourse.
- Some fibroids compress the bladder and prevent the bladder from expanding, and then the patient may need to go to the toilet frequently. For the same reason, pressure on the anus may cause the need to go to the toilet.
- Due to skipping practices such as health checks and examinations, some fibroids may grow and then a mass felt in the lower abdomen may also emerge as a symptom of fibroids.
How is fibroids diagnosed?
For the diagnosis of fibroids, the diagnosis can be made by taking the patient's history by applying to the gynecologist with the symptoms of the disease and then performing routine examinations to the patient. It is possible to detect the disease with the support of ultrasounds with high-resolution imaging. If the mass is large or not clearly visible in the uterine tissue, an MRI can be performed to prevent it from causing a bigger problem. In this way, detailed information about soft tissues can also be obtained.
How is fibroids treated?
Fibroids are usually benign tumors, but they need to be monitored because they can develop into malignant tumors over time. In case of sudden growths and suspicious images, these fibroids should be treated. Patients with fibroids should be examined by a physician at regular intervals.
The treatment process will vary according to the patient's medical history, age, symptoms of fibroids, the rate and location of fibroids. Accordingly, there are observational, medical and surgical treatment options. Fibroids can most likely be diagnosed by chance, without any symptoms or complaints. In such cases, the tumor is followed for a while rather than starting treatment immediately. However, certain treatments can be applied if the fibroids are associated with certain symptoms that reduce the quality of life of the person. Treatment is usually surgical. The operation process is planned according to factors such as the patient's decision, age or whether the patient has children or not.
Fibroid surgeries are performed in two different ways. The first one is performed by removing the fibroid; on the other hand, if the patient has not given birth before and wants to have a child in the future, the fibroid is removed to ensure that the uterine function continues so that the patient can have a child until another fibroid forms other than the removed fibroid.
The other option is complete surgical removal of the uterus. Fibroid tumors are often produced by the uterus. Therefore, if the patient has a child or is not planning to have another child, it may be necessary to remove the uterus, especially after the 40s and 50s, to prevent the uterus from forming fibroids again.