The Malignancy of Uterine Fibroids
People are almost always alarmed when they hear the word ‘tumor.’ In most cases, the initial reaction is that it’s cancerous. This is not true all the time. There are a lot of tumors, like uterine fibroids, that are mostly benign. Only in extremely rare cases has fibroids been found to turn into malignant cysts or lumps. They also have not been found to cause any form of cancer.
Non-malignant fibroids, however, could still result in symptoms that could disrupt daily life and affect normal body functions. In extreme cases, the effects of fibroids could be life-threatening. If you suspect that you are at risk or that you already have these tumors, go for a medical check up right away.
What’s a Fibroid Tumor Made Of
Fibroids are benign growths in or around the uterus that develop due to the overproduction of muscular tissue. They are dense and firm and could grow to different sizes. Depending on how big they are, they may or may not require treatment. Majority of fibroids growths remain minuscule and asymptomatic. They usually resolve on their own, disintegrating or shrinking especially after menopause.
The growths are usually discovered through a pelvic examination by a doctor. Imaging tests may eventually be ordered to find out where the fibroid tumors are and how big they are. For patients who already have symptoms, their doctors would already have an idea of the type of fibroids they have based on their history taking and assessment of symptoms. The imaging tests will confirm their diagnosis and present a more detailed visualization of the tumors.
Tumor Removal
Benign fibroids growths do not always need to be removed. When they are asymptomatic, it is actually best to leave them on their own unless they are foreseen to grow bigger and cause damage over time. The removal of asymptomatic tumors is also not usually presented as an option to women who are nearing menopause.
When the removal of the non-malignant uterine fibroids is recommended, several surgical options are available depending on the type, size, and location of the tumors. Conventional surgical methods and more modern non-invasive methods are presented as options. In all these options, there are pros and cons as well as risks that the patient has to fully understand before she makes a choice. There are consequences that she has to live with – i.e. the possibility of a recurrence (not regrowth), infertility, and the need for another procedure or surgery.
Cancer Outlook
While fibroids are not malignant and will not turn cancerous throughout their existence, other growths may be discovered during treatment or surgery. There are a few cases where patients were found to have uterine sarcoma as well. Some procedures, particularly those that break the tumors into pieces, could inadvertently spread cancer cells to other areas.
Uterine fibroids develop over time and do not suddenly break out into serious complications overnight. It just seems so in some cases when patients do not pay attention to the signals and symptoms from their bodies. Pelvic pain, bleeding longer and heavier than normal, pee and poop trouble, and fatigue might not conclusively tell you that you have cancer, but these should give you a hint that you might have uterine fibroids or something else altogether that requires medical attention.
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