Uterine fibroids are the non-malignant or benign tumors developed within the uterus or attached to the uterine wall. They are recognized by other names like Myoma, Fibromyoma or Leiomyoma. They can occur in 20 to 40% of women older than 35 years. These are the rubbery nodules staring as irregular cells in muscular layer of uterus and get developed into the tumor-like masses of smooth muscles and connective tissue. The uterine fibroids vary in size from small as pea to large as a basketball. There are 3 major types of uterine fibroid such as subserous, intramural and submucous.
The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown. Some of the suspected reasons for the fibroids include ethnicity, hereditary, related to estrogen level and prevalent in the women with endometriosis. The uterine fibroids may be completely symptomless. Some of the possible symptoms associated with the fibroids are heavy menstrual flow or longer duration of menstrual period, backache, increased menstrual cramping, unpredictable bleeding, infertility, miscarriage, pain during sexual intercourse etc.
A treatment for uterine fibroids depends on the patient’s age, severity of the symptoms, patient’s general health and characteristics of the fibroids. Various ways of treatment include use of Non Steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hormonal therapy such as injectable Depo Leuprolide etc. If the fibroids lead to uncontrolled, heavy bleeding, causing extreme discomfort, difficulties in pregnancy and if they are rapidly growing, then they need for surgery to remove them immediately. Some commonly applied surgical procedures to remove fibroids are myomectomy and hysterectomy.
Embolization is a new technique of treating the uterine fibroids. Embolization means to stop or block the blood flow. It is a non-surgical method that prevents the blood flow that enables the growth of fibroids. Due to lack of blood supply, the fibroids tend to shrink or totally go away. This painless procedure involves an insertion of a catheter into the uterus through an artery. Small particles, made up of gelatin or plastic sponges, are injected into this catheter. These particles move into the arteries supplying blood to the fibroids and stop the blood flow. This treatment method is successful in about 85% women to get complete relief from the symptoms caused by the fibroids.
