Myomas

What is Myoma?

Myomas are benign (ur) tumors that can be seen in one in every 5 women of reproductive age and originate from the smooth muscle layer of the uterus.

What are the symptoms of myoma?

Myomas occur in some patients; They may cause irregular or increased menstrual bleeding, feeling of pressure-fullness and pain in the groin area, frequent urination, constipation, early satiety, a palpable mass in the abdominal area, inability to have children, and recurrent pregnancy losses.

How many types of myomas are there?

Myomas can be classified as those located entirely in the inner membrane layer of the uterus (uterine cavity), those located in the middle layer of the uterus with varying involvement rates, and those located in the outer layer of the uterus with varying involvement rates. Apart from these, although rare, myomas that are born into the vagina or parasitic myomas that break off from the uterus and settle in any area in the abdomen and feed on them can also be seen.

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

Myoma is diagnosed mostly by ultrasound. In some patients, MRI may also aid diagnosis.

Is there a treatment for fibroids?

Myoma treatment varies depending on the type of complaint. While patients with pain and bleeding irregularities may benefit from painkillers or hormonal drugs; Surgical treatment is required in patients who have pressure complaints or who do not respond to drug treatment.

What are the surgical options?

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

Especially myomas located in the inner layer of the uterus (submucous) can be removed by hysteroscopic method.

Myomas located in the uterine muscle layer, outer layer or distant organs can be treated by laparoscopic method.

Is treatment possible without incision?

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

To whom can myoma ablation be recommended?

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

Does myoma turn into cancer?

Myomas are mostly benign tumors. However, fast-growing, painful myomas, especially in older ages, should be investigated for cancer. Although the rate of cancer detection after myoma surgery varies depending on age, it is 1 in 700 or 1 in 1000.