Uterine Fibroids also called uterine polyps or myomas are the non-cancerous tumours which grow in the walls of women’s uterus. These fibroids usually vary in sizes and women can have a single fibroid or in clusters. Small or tiny tumours may not cause any symptoms, whereas if these fibroids expand, they increase pressure on the bladder and lead to symptoms like pain and abnormal menstruation.
Types of Uterine Fibroids :
Submucosal – These types of tumours grow in the innermost layer of the uterus.
Intramural – Fibroids grow on the middle layer or within the muscular wall of the uterus.
Subserosal – These fibroids grow on the outer wall of the uterus.
Pedunculated – These fibroids are attached to a stalk either outside or within the uterine cavity.
Cervical – These are developed in the cervical tissue.
Interligamentous – These fibroids are developed between the uterine broad ligaments.
Treatments for Uterine Fibroids :
If confirmation is needed, your doctor may order an ultrasound. It uses sound waves to get a picture of your uterus to confirm the diagnosis and to map and measure fibroids.A doctor or technician moves the ultrasound device (transducer) over your abdomen (transabdominal) or places it inside your vagina (transvaginal) to get images of your uterus.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) :This test can show in more detail the size and location of fibroids, identify different types of tumors, and help determine appropriate treatment options. An MRI is most often used in women with a larger uterus or in women approaching menopause (perimenopause).
Hysterosonography : Hysterosonography (his-tur-o-suh-NOG-ruh-fee), also called a saline infusion sonogram, uses sterile salt water (saline) to expand the uterine cavity, making it easier to get images of submucosal fibroids and the lining of the uterus in women attempting pregnancy or who have heavy menstrual bleeding.
Hysterosalpingography: Hysterosalpingography (his-tur-o-sal-ping-GOG-ruh-fee) uses a dye to highlight the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes on X-ray images. Your doctor may recommend it if infertility is a concern. This test can help your doctor determine if your fallopian tubes are open or are blocked and can show some submucosal fibroids.
Hysteroscopy: Doctor inserts a small, lighted telescope called a hysteroscope through your cervix into your uterus. Your doctor then injects saline into your uterus, expanding the uterine cavity and allowing your doctor to examine the walls of your uterus and the openings of your fallopian tubes.
