Fibroids

What are fibroids?

They are also known as myomas or leiomyomas. Fibroid is a growth formed from muscle cells within the uterine wall. They are very common; almost 80% of women will develop fibroids in their lifetime. Some of the fibroids grow and some shrink in time.

Are fibroids cancerous?

These are benign growths.

What symptoms do fibroids cause?

If fibroids are small they may not cause any symptoms. If they are big they may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure or pain. They rarely interfere with fertility or cause t a miscarriage.

How are they diagnosed?

Fibroids are diagnosed by USS. Sometimes you need some additional imaging tests such as MRI.

What treatment do I need?

If fibroids are diagnosed incidentally (i.e. ultrasound is performed for some other reason) you don’t need any treatment. Only large fibroids that cause problems need to be treated. Several options are available:

• medications that shrink fibroids (usually done prior to surgery)
• surgical removal of fibroids (myomectomy)
• hysterectomy (removal of womb)
• uterine artery embolisation
• MRI guided ,focused ultrasound which is high intensity ultrasound that breaks down fibroids