Wednesday, February 15, 2012
WOMEN’S HEALTH WEDNESDAY Uterine Fibroids. What the heck are those, right? They are benign tumors that grow in and around the uterine walls. In extremely rare cases (less than .1%) they lead to cancer. They come in all sizes (from the size of a pea to the size of an orange) and grow in all areas of the uterus - so their symptoms and treatments are dependent on size/location.  Smaller fibroids are usually asymptomatic. They may never have to be treated. In other cases, the fibroid may place pressure on the bladder/bowel causing urinary retention/frequency or painful defecation and constipation. They may cause other symptoms such as back pain or painful/heavy menstruation. Rarely, they can interfere with ovulation which can lead to infertility.  Fibroids are fairly common, especially in the African-American population and women in their later reproductive years. There is a correlation between patients with fibroids and patients with hypertension. They can be diagnosed by use of ultrasound or MRI and may even be palpated during a gynecological exam. Like with reproductive cancers, there’s no surefire prevention.  As stated before, treatment varies on severity. Tumor-shrinking medications may be prescribed. One method of treatment is cutting off the blood circulation to the fibroids. Radiation can be used. Unfortunately, hysterectomies are typically the go-to treatment and may even be suggested for patients with asymptomatic fibroids - although I hope that in coming years this trend dies down and alternative, less invasive treatments take over. 

WOMEN’S HEALTH WEDNESDAY

Uterine Fibroids. What the heck are those, right?

They are benign tumors that grow in and around the uterine walls. In extremely rare cases (less than .1%) they lead to cancer. They come in all sizes (from the size of a pea to the size of an orange) and grow in all areas of the uterus - so their symptoms and treatments are dependent on size/location. 

Smaller fibroids are usually asymptomatic. They may never have to be treated. In other cases, the fibroid may place pressure on the bladder/bowel causing urinary retention/frequency or painful defecation and constipation. They may cause other symptoms such as back pain or painful/heavy menstruation. Rarely, they can interfere with ovulation which can lead to infertility. 

Fibroids are fairly common, especially in the African-American population and women in their later reproductive years. There is a correlation between patients with fibroids and patients with hypertension. They can be diagnosed by use of ultrasound or MRI and may even be palpated during a gynecological exam. Like with reproductive cancers, there’s no surefire prevention. 

As stated before, treatment varies on severity. Tumor-shrinking medications may be prescribed. One method of treatment is cutting off the blood circulation to the fibroids. Radiation can be used. Unfortunately, hysterectomies are typically the go-to treatment and may even be suggested for patients with asymptomatic fibroids - although I hope that in coming years this trend dies down and alternative, less invasive treatments take over. 

Posted at 11:25 PM 17 notes Tags: women's health nursing fibroids uterine fibroids hysterectomy african-american health tumor

Notes

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