Fibroid Tumor in the Abdomen

Uterine fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) tumors that form in the pelvis. These are common in women and usually cause no symptoms. However, some women will experience severe bleeding and abdominal pain.

Definition

• Also referred to as myomas, fibroids form in the myometrial layer of the uterus. This is the center layer of the uterus. They can sometimes grow large enough to protrude outside of the uterus, or into the endometrial layer. This can cause heavy bleeding during menstruation.

Symptoms

• Some women show no symptoms and fibroids are discovered as an incidental finding on an ultrasound or during a pelvic exam. But some women will experience heavy periods, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse or pelvic pressure.

Diagnosis

• Ultrasound is used to diagnose fibroids. They can be easily seen on a transvaginal sonogram. Often the doctor suspects fibroids during a pelvic exam and uses ultrasound to confirm this suspicion.

Treatment

• Depending on how many fibroids you have, and how large and invasive they are, treatment will vary. A uterine artery embolization is a procedure that cuts off blood flow to the fibroid, causing it to shrink. If this is unsuccessful, the fibroids can be surgically removed. The most extreme possibility is a hysterectomy, where the uterus is removed. This can be a viable option for a woman of non-childbearing age and who possibly is already in menopause.

Medical Therapy

• If you do not wish to undergo any surgery to remove the fibroids, you could try another method that simply reduces the symptoms. Oral contraceptives can be used to decrease menstrual flow and regulate the cycle. Intra Uterine Devices (IUDs) can be placed in the uterus to decrease the size of the fibroid. IUDs are primarily used for birth control, but some on the market release a small amount of hormone into the uterus. This may have beneficial effects for women suffering from fibroids.