How to Treat Myoma

Myoma is any tumor that arises from muscle tissue but usually refers to a uterine leiomyoma, commonly known as a uterine fibroid. This is the most common gynecologic tumor and occurs in up to 50 percent of women ages 30 years and older. This type of myoma has a significant genetic component and is associated with high estrogen levels. The following steps will show how to treat a myoma.

Instructions

• 1

  Treat uterine fibroids if they become symptomatic. Traditional methods range from symptom management to a hysterectomy. A myomectomy also may be performed in selective cases.

• 2

  Reduce the blood supply of the uterine fibroids with a uterine arterial embolization. This will reduce the size of these highly vascular tumors, making excision easier and reducing blood loss during surgery.

• 3

  Perform this minimally invasive procedure through the uterine arteries. These arteries are typically enlarged in patients with uterine fibroids and may be located with angiographic assistance.

• 4

  Catherize the uterine arteries and inject them with an embolic agent. This is typically spheres of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) ranging from 500 to 700 microns in diameter. It may be necessary to use a microcatheter which can make it difficult to administer the PVA spheres. This can be addressed by diluting the embolic agent and flushing the catheter frequently.

• 5

  Take a complete angiogram after both uterine arteries have been embolized to confirm they are occluded. This will also allow a search for additional blood supplies of the uterine fibroids.