Fibroids are benign growths from the muscle tissue of the uterus. The size, shape and location can vary.
Uterine fibroid evaluation
During a routine pelvic exam, your doctor or gynecologist may discover uterine fibroids. These fibroids manifest as irregularities in the uterus shape. You may already have a diagnosis of fibroids and are experiencing problems including pain, pressure and heavy periods.
What to expect?
Initial evaluation after a pelvic exam usually consists of an ultrasound.
Then, depending on the ultrasound results, your gynecologist may utilize other imaging tests.
Including:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): imaging the fibroid in greater detail for better treatment.
- Hysterosonography: also known as a saline infusion sonogram. The procedure involves using sterile saline to expand the uterine cavity for imaging purposes.
- Hysterosalpingography: Is a procedure in which a dye is used to highlight the uterine cavity on X-ray images. The overall effect is to show potential blockages in the fallopian tubes as well as an abnormal uterine cavity.
- Hysteroscopy: For this procedure, your gynecologist inserts a hysteroscope through the cervix and into the uterus which allows direct visuals of the inside of the uterus. Thus being able to evaluate the condition of the cavity and to see any abnormality in the cavity.
Treatment options
Usually, they can increase in size and number. Medications include:
- Gonadotropin: releasing hormone agonists
- Progestin: releasing intrauterine device (IUD)
- Tranexamic acid
- Oral contraceptives (to regulate menstrual bleeding)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may relieve pain related to fibroids
Noninvasive procedures for fibroids
Depending on the fibroid structure, noninvasive procedures are an option for fibroid treatment. MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (FUS) is a noninvasive treatment option for uterine fibroids. Requiring no incision, is an outpatient procedure, and preserves uterine function.
Minimally invasive procedures for fibroids
- Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE)
- Myolysis
- Laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy
- Hysteroscopic Myomectomy
Traditional surgical procedures myomectomy hysterectomy.