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Pedunculated Fibroid Treatment

A pedunculated fibroid is a noncancerous tumor that extends from the uterus on a fleshy stalk. If the stalk kinks and the fibroid loses its blood supply, the resultant pain may trigger a need for treatment to remove or destroy the fibroid.

  1. The Facts

    • Pedunculated fibroids may project into the interior of the uterus or outward from the surface of the uterus, according to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library (MMOML). When the stalk of a pedunculated fibroid kinks, sharp or severe pain may develop in the lower abdomen.

    Myectomy

    • Surgical removal of a fibroid that leaves the uterus intact is called a myomectomy, according to the Mayo Clinic. Depending on individual circumstances, surgeons may perform the procedure as a traditional open surgery or through minimally-invasive procedures such as laparoscopy or hysteroscopy.

    Hysterectomy

    • Surgical treatment of a pedunculated fibroid may also include a hysterectomy, which involves removal of the uterus as well as the fibroid, according to the MMOML. This procedure provides the only permanent cure fibroid cure.

    Uterine Artery Embolization

    • Doctors may also treat a pedunculated fibroid with a uterine artery embolization, a procedure that permanently blocks the fibroid's blood supply MMOML reports.

    Additonal Treatments

    • The MMOML cites additional treatment options that include destruction through ultrasound or application of heat or cold.

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