What to Know About Fibroids

Things to Know About Fibroids
Fibroids are benign tumors that originate from the uterine tissue and typically range in size from 1-2 cm to 10-15 cm in diameter. Fibroids are sometimes described as fibroids, leiomyomas, or fibromyomas. They are very common in women. Fibroids, which are usually small and asymptomatic, are usually monitored only.

Because estrogen causes fibroids to grow, they increase in size during pregnancy, but they shrink and calcify after menopause. Fibroids are divided into three types depending on their location within the uterus.

Submucous fibroids: Located in the innermost layer of the uterus.

Intramural fibroids: Located within the uterine tissue, or muscle tissue. (The most common type)
Subserous fibroids: These fibroids grow outside the uterine tissue. Submucous and intramural fibroids most commonly cause symptoms such as prolonged and heavy menstrual bleeding. Large intramural fibroids and subserosal fibroids, which have a prominent mass effect, may present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, back and leg pain, a feeling of fullness, pain during intercourse, and frequent urination due to bladder urgency. Fibroids that cause symptoms require treatment, and nonsurgical myoma treatment is available for many types of fibroids.

How Are Fibroids Diagnosed?
Fibroids are usually detected by obstetricians and radiologists using ultrasound. Fibroids smaller than 2-3 cm and not causing any symptoms are simply monitored.

For larger fibroids, if they present with some symptoms, more advanced methods than ultrasound should be used. Ultrasound usually only detects a portion of the fibroids present, and underlying conditions can be missed.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) allows for more detailed imaging of fibroids and the diagnosis of other uterine conditions (adenomyosis, etc.). It's crucial for patients to undergo an MRI scan and plan their treatment based on this information, especially if fibroid treatment is being considered.