When It Isn’t Cancer–Treating Benign Uterine Tumors

At some point in their lifetimes, an estimated 80 percent of women develop uterine fibroids— noncancerous tumors that form in the uterus’s muscular wall. Should you find yourself among that group, the first thing going through your mind will likely be what, if anything, should you do about them?

First, let’s rewind. Uterine fibroids are also known as leiomyoma, myoma or fibromyoma. And while no one wants to hear the word tumor as part of any diagnosis, keep in mind that uterine fibroids will never develop into cancer and benign tumor cells do not spread to other parts of the body.

Having uterine fibroids doesn’t mean a woman will necessarily develop health-related issues. Still, one in four does develop symptoms severe enough to warrant treatment. Should you receive a uterine fibroid diagnosis, it’s important that you continuously monitor, discuss and treat your condition through annual gynecological exams. When fibroids cause excessively heavy bleeding, anemia (low blood count), pelvic or other organ pain, vaginal discharge or frequent urination, your healthcare provider may suggest these treatment courses:

Watching and waiting

• Treating symptoms, mainly through medication, and monitoring symptom progression through periodic re-evaluations. As a woman nearing menopause, you may experience fibroids that shrink, due to a decline in hormones.
• Medications target hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle, treating symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure. They may shrink fibroids, but don’t eliminate them.

Surgical options

Because uterine fibroids are not cancerous and usually grow slowly, you and your healthcare provider have time to sort out whether you need to consider surgical options, especially if your fibroids cause you great pain or your periods are so heavy that you are anemic.

• Myomectomy—removes only the fibroids and leaves the uterus intact. It can be performed through a tiny incision in the stomach or through the cervix.
• Hysterectomy—removes the uterus and is the only proven permanent solution for uterine fibroids. It brings on menopause and the question of whether you’ll take hormone replacement therapy. One-third of hysterectomies performed are due to fibroids.

Your health care provider may also be able to suggest non-surgical treatments.

Your healthcare provider can help you remain proactive about your reproductive health as you enter menopause. Meantime, if uterine fibroids flare up or if you have other gynecological health needs, don’t hesitate to call us for an appointment.

Has it been a while since your last check-up, or do you need a new physician? Call us at 317.565.0535 to request an appointment.

Sources: FDA.gov, SCVIR.org