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| Fibroids (fibromatosis/leiomyoma) |
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| What are fibroids? |
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Fibroids are connective tissue growths which develop from the muscular
wall of the uterus or cervix. They may be found in the wall itself, under
the external lining of the wall, or they can bulge into the cavity of
the uterus. Fibroids are a common finding in women over 35 years.
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| What are the characteristics of fibroids? |
| Fibroids are benign growths composed of connective
tissue and muscle. They can grow and shrink under the influence of female
hormones. The number and size of fibroids can vary enormously. Fibroids
usually become very small after the menopause. Cancerous change in a fibroid
is very rare. |
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| What are the symptoms of fibroids? |
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Many women are unaware that they have fibroids because they do not have
any symptoms. The most common symptoms of fibroids are heavy, painful
or irregular periods. Fibroids may also cause discomfort through pressure
on the bowel or the bladder since both these organs lie close to the uterus.
Any woman with the above mentioned symptoms can contact a gynaecologist.
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| How are fibroids in the uterus treated? |
If a woman is having no symptoms from her fibroids,
then the doctor may advise that nothing further needs to be done. If the
fibroids are large and causing problems then a gynaecologist may suggest
a hysterectomy.
If the woman wishes to retain her fertility then the fibroids can sometimes
be removed without performing a full hysterectomy. This is called a myomectomy.
Small fibroids lying near the lining of the womb can often be removed using
a fiberoptic scope passed through the cervix (hysteroscopic removal). |
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| Can a woman become pregnant with fibroids in the
uterus? |
| Yes. A woman with fibroids in the uterus can become
pregnant. The fibroids are not normally a problem during pregnancy although
they may grow under the influence of high levels of pregnancy hormones.
Occasionally, fibroids can prevent the baby from passing through the birth
canal and a Caesarean section may be required |
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| This page was last modified on June 27, 2001 |
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