I
n most cases, uterine fibroids are not accompanied by any symptoms, are harmless and cease with menopause. However, some fibroids cause pregnancy problems, pain, bleeding resulting to anaemia or cause strain on other internal organs. Other symptoms include abnormally enlarged abdomen, back pain, pain in legs, and pain during intercourse.
Technically, uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths that occur in the muscular wall found in the uterus. Their sizes vary from very tiny to a larger growth that the size of a cantaloupe.
Treatments
Embolization - is a proven nonsurgical method performed by a qualified radiologist. No anesthesia is required during the interventional exercise. The radiologist uses real time imaging to insert a catheter through the skin into the femoral artery. The catheter will then release small particles, the size of sand, into the uterine arteries heading to the fibroid tumor. This cuts off supply and flow of blood to the tumor causing it to shrink and ultimately die.
Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound; MRGFU procedure makes use of high intensity concentrated ultrasound rays that destroy the fibroid tissue. An interventional radiologist heavily relies on Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to make it clear to view inside of the body and direct the focus straight to the fibroid.
The MRI scans single out the fibroid causing tissue, therefore forming a good procedural basis on how to treat the patient. The MRGFU waves are capable of penetrating muscles, skin, fat and any other bodily soft tissues. The large quantities of ultrasound energy heats up the fibroid tissue and hence destroying it.
Surgical treatments
Include myomectomy surgery- is a major surgery of the abdomen that involves removal of the uterus. The fibroids tissues are cut and then the uterus is stitched back together.
Iron supplements; are vital for reversing the anaemic condition resulting from blood loss due to fibroid.
[Photo: flickr]
