Fibroids

Fibroids are non-cancerous (benign) tumors that grow from the muscle layers of the uterus (womb). They are also known as uterine fibroids, myomas, or fibromyomas.

Types of Fibroids

Intramural Fibroids

They are located within the wall of the uterus and can expand inwards distorting and elongating the uterine cavity.

Subserosal Fibroids

They are located underneath the mucosal (peritoneal) surface of the uterus and may detach from the uterus to become parasitic leiomyoma.

Submucosal (submucous) Fibroids

These are located inside the uterine cavity beneath the lining of the uterus (called the endometrium).

Cervical fibroids

These are located in the neck of the womb (the cervix).

Signs & Symptoms of Fibroids

Long, gushing periods and cramping
Fullness or pressure in their belly
Low back pain
Pain during sex
An urge to urinate often
Constipation
Pressure symptoms on the bladder and rectum
Infertility and miscarriages repeatedly

Treatment of Fibroids

Myomectomy

It is the selective removal of the fibroids within the uterus. Myomectomy can be Hysteroscopic (through the vagina or cervix), Laparoscopic (through the naval), or Laprotomic (via the abdominal wall).

Hysterectomy

It is the surgery to remove the uterus to cure uterine fibroids. It is used when a woman’s fibroids are large, if she has heavy bleeding, is either near or past menopause, or does not want children.

Uterine Artery Embolisation (UAE)

It is a non-invasive procedure wherein both uterine arteries are occluded via interventional radiology. This reduces blood supply to the fibroid, thus, preventing further growth.

Myolysis

In this procedure, a needle is inserted into the fibroids, usually guided by laparoscopy. Using electric current or freezing, the fibroids are then destroyed.

MR (Magnetic Resonance) Guided Focused Ultrasound

It is a non-invasive technique that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound waves guided and monitored by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) to destroy fibroids.