Fibroids

What is fibroids?

Fibroids are benign tumors arising from the smooth muscle layer of the uterus, which can occur in one in 5 women of childbearing age.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

In some patients, fibroids may cause irregular or increased menstrual bleeding, pressure-fullness and pain in the groin area, frequent urination, constipation, early satiety, a palpable mass in the abdomen, inability to have children and recurrent pregnancy losses.

How many types of fibroids are there?

Fibroids can be classified as those that are completely located in the inner membrane layer of the uterus (uterine cavity), those that are located in the middle layer of the uterus with varying rates of involvement and those that are located in the outer layer of the uterus with varying rates of involvement. In addition to these, fibroids that are born in the vagina or parasitic fibroids that break away from the uterus and settle in any area in the abdomen can also be seen.

What are the tests to be used in the diagnosis of fibroids?

Fibroids are usually diagnosed by ultrasound. In some patients, MR imaging may also help the diagnosis.

Is there a treatment for fibroids?

Treatment of fibroids depends on the type of complaint. Patients with pain and bleeding irregularities may benefit from painkillers or hormonal medications; surgical treatment is required in patients with compression complaints or in patients who do not respond to medication.

What are the surgical options?

Depending on their location, fibroids can be treated by hysteroscopy (visualization of the inside of the uterus with a camera) or laparoscopy (visualization of the inside of the abdomen through small incisions in the abdominal skin).

Especially fibroids located in the inner layer of the uterus (submucous) can be removed hysteroscopically.

Fibroids located in the muscle layer of the uterus, the outer layer or distant organs can be treated laparoscopically.

Is treatment possible without incision?

Patients who do not benefit from drug treatment and do not accept laparoscopic or open surgery methods may benefit from fibroid ablation.

Who can be offered fibroid ablation?

In patients who want to preserve the uterus, fibroid ablation may be considered if there is no suspicion of cancer. Especially in fibroids under 10 cm, 80% reduction in fibroid volume can be achieved.

Can fibroids turn into cancer?

Fibroids are mostly benign tumors. However, fast-growing, painful fibroids, especially in advanced ages, should be investigated for cancer. The rate of cancer detection after fibroid surgery is 1 in 700 or 1 in 1000, depending on age.