Hysterosalpingography - x-ray examination of the uterus and fallopian tubes that uses dye and is often performed to rule out tubal obstruction. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a non-invasive procedure that produces a two-dimensional view of an internal organ or structure. Transvaginal ultrasound (Also called ultrasonography.) - an ultrasound test using a small instrument, called a transducer, that is placed in the vagina. X-ray - electromagnetic energy used to produce images of bones and internal organs onto film. In addition to a complete medical history and physical and pelvic and/or abdominal examination, diagnostic procedures for uterine fibroids may include: This, along with an abdominal examination, may indicate a firm, irregular pelvic mass to the physician. How are fibroids diagnosed?įibroids are most often found during a routine pelvic examination. In some cases, the heavy or prolonged menstrual periods, or the abnormal bleeding between periods, can lead to iron-deficiency anemia, which also requires treatment. Pelvic pain (caused as the tumor presses on pelvic organs)Ī firm mass, often located near the middle of the pelvis, which can be felt by the physician Symptoms of uterine fibroids may include:Ībnormal bleeding between menstrual periods The following are the most common symptoms for uterine fibroids, however, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Some women who have fibroids have no symptoms, or have only mild symptoms, while other women have more severe, disruptive symptoms. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development is conducting further research on this topic and other factors that may affect the diagnosis and treatment of fibroids. Scientists are not sure whether having children actually protected women from fibroids or whether fibroids were a factor in infertility in women who had no children. Some studies, of small numbers of women, have indicated that women who have had two liveborn children have one-half the risk of developing uterine fibroids compared to women who have had no children. Research has also shown that some factors may protect a woman from developing fibroids. Women who are obese and of African-American heritage also seem to be at an increased risk, although the reasons for this are not clearly understood. Women who are approaching menopause are at the greatest risk for fibroids because of their long exposure to high levels of estrogen. While it is not clearly known what causes fibroids, it is believed that each tumor develops from an aberrant muscle cell in the uterus, which multiplies rapidly because of the influence of estrogen. They may range in size, from the size of a pea to the size of a softball or small grapefruit. These tumors are not associated with cancer and do not increase a woman's risk for uterine cancer. In more than 99 percent of fibroid cases, the tumors are benign (non-cancerous). Some estimates state that up to 30 to 77 percent of women will develop fibroids sometime during their childbearing years, although only about one-third of these fibroids are large enough to be detected by a health care provider during a physical examination. It is estimated that between 20 to 50 percent of women of reproductive age have fibroids, although not all are diagnosed. Fibroids, also known as uterine myomas, leiomyomas, or fibromas, are firm, compact tumors that are made of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue that develop in the uterus. Fibroids are the most frequently seen tumors of the female reproductive system.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |