The fibroids are the non cancerous growth that tend to develop in and around the uterus. The growth is made of the fibrous and muscle tissue. They are also known as leiomyomas and uterine myomas.
Fibroids are generally classified by their location. Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular uterine wall. Submucosal fibroids bulge into the uterine cavity. Subserosal fibroids project to the outside of the uterus
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Menstrual periods lasting more than a week
Pelvic pressure or pain
Frequent urination
Difficulty emptying the bladder
Constipation
Backache or leg pains
Uterine fibroids are detected during routine the pelvic examination. The diagnosis are as follows:
Ultrasound:
The ultrasound uses sound waves to get the best image of the uterus.
A physician might place the ultrasound device which is called as the transducer over the abdomen that is the transabdominal region or places it inside the vagina (transvaginal) to get the images of the uterus.
Lab tests:
If the patient has abnormal menstrual bleeding the physician might see to the complete blood count to determine the presence of anaemia because of chronic blood loss and other blood tests to rule out bleeding disorders or thyroid problems.
Other tests are follows:
Magnetic Resonanace Imaging(MRI):
This test provides the more detail the size and location of fibroids and also detect the different type of tumours and help to determine the final treatment. An MRI scan is very much useful in women with a larger uterus or in women who is under going menopause.
Hysterosonography:
It is also called as saline infusion sonogram which uses sterile saline to expand the uterine cavity making it easier to get the images of submucosal fibroids and lining of the uterus in women attempting pregnancy or who have heavy menstrual bleeding.
Hysteroscopy:
The physician might inserts small, lighted telescope called as hysteroscope through the cervix in the uterus. The physician might use saline water for irrigation to get the best view of the uterus and fallopian tube.
Ultrasound:
The sound waves are used to get the pictures of the uterus to confirm the diagnosis to map and measures the size of the fibroids.
Fibroids are typically rounded growths that can look like nodules of the smooth muscles. In some cases, they can be attached with a thin stem, giving them a mushroom-like appearance.
FIGO classification of the uterine fibroids:
Stage 0: A sub mucosal pedunculated intra uterine cavity fibroid
Stage 1: A sub mucosal located less than 50% intra murally
Stage 2: A submucosal located greater than 50% intra morally
Stage 3: A fibroid which is 100% interstially or intra morally located in contact with the endometrium
Stage 4: A fibroid which is completely interstially or intra morally located.
Stage 5 : A sub serosal fibroid which is greater than or equal to 50% intra morally located
Stage 6 : A sub serosal fibroid which is less than 50% intra murally located
Stage 7: a sub serosal pedunculated fibroid
Stage 8: others, parasite( round cervical ligament , large ligament)
Mostly the uterine fibroids shrink when the women attains the menopause.
If the fibroid are concerned only to localized area the 5 year survival rate is 63%
If it is malignant then the 5 year survival rate is 34%.
Maintain healthy lifestyle
Reduce the weight
Consume healthy diet
Follow healthy lifestyle
Delay in attending age
Have regular pelvic examination.
