Uterine fibroid is a tumor growth in the woman’s uterus. It is a tumor that is usually benign, or non-cancerous.
These fibroid tumors are also called leiomyoma. Leiomyoma is a Greek word, which means a smooth muscle tumor.
These growths can occur at any organ. Yet, it usually occurs at the smooth muscles of the body. In areas like the uterus, the esophagus, and other parts of the digestive system.
Some uterine growths do not show any symptoms. While other women experience painful and heavy bleeding during their periods.
These tumors can also make a woman experience pain during intercourse. Some women can have more than one tumor. It is usually treated by prescribed medication or surgery.
If a woman has a large tumor, it should be a cause for concern. Most of the time, especially the tiny sized tumors, go away on their own.
If a tumor continues to grow, it can put pressure on the bladder. This makes the patient urinate more than normal.
Women who are at risk are usually obese and eats red meat. Being an African-American descent and 30 years older can also be a factor. Yet, this tumor is usually genetic, especially if you have a family history.
What does it Look Like?
During your pelvic exam, your doctor can touch the tumor by using his or her fingers. This painless exam can determine the tumor’s size and position. If you have discomfort and pressure, it can be a sign of a huge lump.
These fibroid growths can be present in the three areas of the uterus. The submucosal, the intramural, and subserosal.
- Submucosal. These tumors can grow in the uterine cavity, inside the hollow area of the uterus.
- Intramural. Tumors that grow inside the wall of the uterus.
- Subserosal. These tumors grow outside of the uterus.
Fibroids can be small or huge. It can be the size of an apple seed or a huge lump of mushroom-looking mass. Untreated growths can be so big, that you can compare it to the size of a grapefruit.
These tumors are dense looking with a patterned surface. The color the surface is tan or white. It has the characteristic of a smooth muscle, which is soft and elastic.
When extracting this tumor, you can notice veins and capillaries. It is present on its sac. This gives blood supply to the tumor that is necessary for its growth.
If you put this tumor under a microscope, you will notice that it consists of smooth muscle cells. It has a coiling pattern that looks like fiber, and with a uniform pin-like shape.
Bleeding areas are also noticeable. Also with some degeneration, calcification, and some lesions.
Uterine fibroid can also cause complications when left untreated. Anemia is a condition where there is low iron in the blood. Heavy bleeding can result in fatigue, and even heart problems.
Fibroids usually do not cause any problems during pregnancy. Yet, some women can still have pregnancy complications.
It can grow in size and number, so make sure you get your health check. An active lifestyle, proper nutrition, and regular check-ups can be beneficial. Uterine fibroids are treatable and manageable.
Share this:
