Fibroids Tumors

There is an extreme increase in size around the waist and change in abdominal contour. This gives an illusion of weight gain; which the female may have to increase clothing size

What are Fibroids?

These are muscular fibroids tumors of a women's uterus or womb. The uterine grows as a single tumor or in clusters. They may be tiny or grow to weigh several pounds.

They develop within the uterine wall or attach to it. Specifically, they grow in the uterine cavity; eventually into the thickness of the uterine wall. Actually, the term uterine-fibroid is misleading in that they consist of muscle tissue, not fibroid-tissue.

These fibroids tumors also known as leiomyoma, are the most common benign (non-cancerous) tumor, yet they can be extremely problematic. The condition may cause excruciating results; specifically excessive menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and frequent urination.

Research indicates that of every woman over 35, 1 in 5 will develop these grows.

Essentially, 25% of white women and 50% of black women experience fibroid growth, generally due to mass affect.

These tumors may begin developing as early as 20 years of age, but shrink after menopause. Basically, the growths are stimulated by estrogen, which is produced naturally by the body.

Types Of Fibroids Tumors

Other factors that contribute to uterine grows is being overweight or obesity, never having giving birth to a child nulliparity), onset of the menstrual cycle prior to the age of 10, and African American heritage (occurring 3- 9 times more often than Caucasian women.

There are several types of fibroids tumors. More so, they are each labeled according to where they are found. The intramural fibroids are the most common type and are located in the wall of the uterus. Located underneath the mucosal surface of the uterus, subserosal fibroids have the potential to become very large.

Initially, the benign tumors produce no symptoms. They are essentially asymptomatic. As a matter-of-fact, the tumors are often identified during regular pelvic examinations. Fortunately, developing uterine fibroids does not increase the risk of developing a cancerous fibroids tumors.

The growths may turn into pedunculated fibroids, which are capable of detaching themselves from the uterus to become a parasitic leiomyoma. The submucosal fibroid is located in the muscle beneath the endometrium of the uterus. Finally, cervical fibroids are found in the wall of the cervix or neck of the uterus. Although fibroids tumors are generally non-cancerous, there are extreme rare case where leiomyosarcoma, malignant or cancerous growths of the myometrium can develop.

"Feeling Full"

This lower abdominal pain or "feeling full" is caused by pelvic pressure. Uterine fibroids tumors, may also cause pressure on the bladder. This pressure causes the patient to urinate frequently and/or feel a sense of urgency to urinate without the ability to actually void). The fibroids also endorse pressure on the rectum which subsequently results in constipation. Other symptoms or conditions resulting from the pressure are constipation and hemorrhoids. However, the symptoms can be easily avoided by being very specific about what you eat. It is recommended that you eat an extensive amount of whole grain, bran, and fruit, and drinking plenty of water. Additionally, using natural laxative products may also help.

There is an extreme increase in size around the waist and change in abdominal contour. This gives an illusion of weight gain; which the female may have to increase clothing size. Finally, with this condition, there is occasional pain during intercourse (depending on location of the fibroids tumors), miscarriage during pregnancy, or pre-mature labor.

Following the initial pelvic examination, your health care provider may indicate a need for further tests to decide if you have fibroids indeed, and exclude more serious disease. An ultrasound is used to identify the number, size, and shape of the tumors. An endometrial biopsy is used to grab small samples of tissue from inside the uterus. Lastly, the hysteroscopy simply obtains a visual of the uterus with a camera through the opening of the cervix.

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services

There is less than 1 in 1000 chance that a cancerous fibroid will occur. Leiomyosarcoma does not develop from an existing fibroid, according to healthcare professionals. Subsequently, the symptoms, however, are based on size, location, number, and the pathological findings.

Symptoms of fibroids tumors

The most common symptoms are generally acknowledged during the visit to the gynecologists upon diagnosis. The symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding; gynecologic hemorrhage or menorrhagia, sometimes with blood clots.

Additionally, the woman's periods may be extremely heavy and/or painful.

Treatments For Fibroids Tumors

The treatment for fibroids is dependant upon several variables. The treatment depends upon symptoms, size, and location of the tumors as well as the age in relation to menopause),desire to have children, and your general health.

Although fibroids can be treated with medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents or oral contraceptives, the most common treatment is surgery.

The uterine artery embolization is a newer procedure used to remove fibroids. The procedure has proven to have a decreased likelihood o injury to the bowel, bladder, or urethra.

The United States Department of Health and Human Services offer productive ways to prevent uterine fibroids. After the age of 18, it is imperative that every female maintain a normal body weight; compared to height.

Obesity increases estrogen production which provides the blood supply for fibroid growth. Overall, improved general health and well-being (to include daily exercise) decreases hormone production; thereby exhausting the stimulation of fibroid growth.