An Overview of Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are the most commonly found benign tumors in women of the childbearing age. These benign fibroids are composed of muscle cells and other tissues that grow in and around the uterus wall. They do not turn malignant, but can cause significant symptoms and health complications. Dr. Dennis Eisenberg, OBGYN serving patients in the Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas area, specializes in uterine fibroids and is highly trained at treating them with a surgical approach.
What are Benign Fibroids of the Uterus?
Benign fibroids of the uterus are typically round and composed of the same smooth muscle fibers as the uterine wall (myometrium). Even though they are composed of the same fibers, the fibroids are much denser.
Uterine fibroids are usually described by Dr. Eisenberg based on their location within the uterus.
- Subserosal fibroids are located beneath the lining of the membrane on the uterus’ outside (serosa)
- Submucosal fibroids are located inside the cavity of the uterus beneath the inner lining of the uterus
- Intramural fibroids are located within the uterus’ muscular wall
It is reported 15-20% of women in their reproductive years have uterine fibroids. In women over the age of 35 years, the percentage rises to 30-40%.
Uterine Fibroid Symptoms
Benign fibroids of the uterus vary greatly in size and can grow over an extended period of time and create a number of unwanted symptoms. In certain women, 30 or more tumors can be removed during one surgical procedure to alleviate symptoms.
Many women do not report symptoms, but if they do have symptoms, they may include:
- Bleeding between periods
- Heavy or painful periods
- Lower back pain
- Pain during sex
- Infertility
- Multiple miscarriages
- Feeling “full” in the lower abdomen
Uterine Fibroid Treatment
Many women with these benign tumors can live without treatment for years. When bleeding and other symptoms start to occur, treatment is necessary. There are no medications that prevent fibroid tumors at this time, but there are some medications that can decrease their size temporarily.
The surgical treatment for uterine fibroids depends on the location and size of the tumor. The procedure can be performed by Dr. Eisenberg as a robotic or laparoscopic procedure. If the tumors are extremely large, an open abdominal incision may be necessary.
A myomectomy is a surgical procedure designed to remove benign fibroids without removing the uterus. This surgery can be performed with the DaVinci Robot, laparoscopically or open, and in some cases of small tumors confined to the endometrial cavity, this can be performed through the cervix with a hysteroscope.
It is important to note that myomectomy procedures are more complicated than hysterectomy procedures with more postoperative pain and a longer recovery. For this reason, the surgery is usually reserved for patients who have severe fibroid tumor issues, but still desire to have a baby.
For additional resources on uterine fibroids, or to discuss treatment options for these benign tumors with a Plano, Frisco and Dallas, Texas area OBGYN, please contact the office of Dr. Dennis Eisenberg.