Uterine Leiomyomata

Uterine Leiomyomata General Information

Uterine Leiomyomata or uterine fibroids are benign tumors that may appear during the reproductive years from the muscle layers of the uterus. This affection is widely spread, over 20% of women being affected by this, with a much more incidence in the case of black women. While this affection does not necessarily require treatment, there are certain medications and procedures that treat them, including surgery. Generally they do not affect the organism in any way, however at times they may lead to excessive bleeding during menstrual cycles, anemia and also there have been noted cases when their presence in the organism led to infertility. Also, once a woman reaches the menopause period, the fibroids suffer a dramatic reduction in size.

The fibroids are classified according to their location into several groups. The most common variety is the “intramural” fibroids, and they are located in the walls of the uterus. Another type is the “subserosal” fibroids, which grow outside the uterine walls and which can become very large, in particular conditions. “Pedunculated” fibroids are tumors found growing on stalks inside the womb. Tumors found in the muscles immediately beneath the uterine wall lining are called “submucosal” fibroids, while those growing on the cervix wall are called “cervical” fibroids. Uterine Leiomyomata is usually affected by the estrogen and progesterone levels, and in most cases it has been noted that hormone suppression has caused the tumors to notably decrease in size.

Uterine Leiomyomata Symptoms

While in most cases, Uterine Leiomyomata is asymptomatic, in some women it may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, most common in the case of patients presenting the submucosal type of fibroids, as they expand the cavity size leaving a larger surface for bleeding. It has also been reported that pedunculated fibroids may cause this as well, by interfering with the uterine normal contractile mechanisms. Any of these two types of tumor may cause mechanical traumas of the lining, also causing the patient to bleed between periods.

In some cases of Uterine Leiomyomata, the presence of the tumors in the womb may cause pain during intercourse, especially on deep penetration. Menstrual cramps can also occur, as well as a constant aching from chronically inflamed fibroids. In some cases, acute fibroid degeneration is also present and may be a cause of pain. Pelvic pressure and partial obstruction of the urethers may appear in the case of large fibroids, leading to a higher risk of renal disease, stones and infections and may also interfere with the normal process of urinary retention and release in a form of urinary incontinence.

Uterine Leiomyomata may also cause infertility, depending on the size and location of the tumors and on the distortions they impose on the womb. It is recommended that if you experience any of these symptoms you should contact your specialized health care professional, for further research of the causes and, if necessary, for determining the appropriate course of action to be taken. Also, it is highly advised that you regularly go for examination of the region, for prevention and detection of any asymptomatic affection.

Uterine Leiomyomata Treatment

The diagnosis of Uterine Leiomyomata is based on the findings of the specialized health care professional inspecting the uterus, based on its enlarged, irregular shape. Usually, an effected uterus is firm and tenderness is also possible. It may be needed that further testing is done, to be certain of the affection. Other tests typically employed in this situation are ultrasound testing, MRI and CT scans and laparoscopy. In some rare cases, especially when aggravated by rapid growth or associated symptoms, histology may be employed, in order to ensure that the area is not affected by cancer.

After Uterine Leiomyomata is diagnosed, the specialized health care professional may or may not prescribe a treatment. Normally, there is no need for one, the specialists only measuring and observing the tumors, as they will naturally degenerate at menopause. However, in some cases where the symptoms are significant enough, or when the patient presents very large or numerous and rapidly growing tumors, there are some treatments that may be employed. In such cases, it is very important to let the specialized health care professional know of your medical history, as the deciding the treatment is based on several factors, such as age, health records and general health condition, on the symptoms themselves and also on the preservation of fertility.

Hysterectomy is the most common and most successful surgical procedure in such cases. It is the only permanent cure for Uterine Leiomyomata, but it requires a major vaginal, abdominal or laparoscopic surgery. Myomectomy is also a possibility, and it may be the best option for a woman who also wishes to preserve her fertility. It consists of removal of just the fibroid, while conserving the uterus, but it is a more complex operation and involves longer recovery times. It also has a greater risk of infection and blood transfusion.

Birth control pills may also help with controlling the symptoms of Uterine Leiomyomata; however they will not have any curing effect on the tumors themselves. They are often employed as a treatment of the symptoms until the patient goes through menopause. GnRH analogs act by suppressing the gonadotropin quantities released in the organism, effectively reducing the estrogen to menopausal levels, thus shrinking the fibroids. However, the GnRH therapy needs to be stopped after 6 months, and that will cause the tumors to grow back rapidly. This option is only employed for shrinking the fibroids prior to surgery.

A newer procedure in the treatment of Uterine Leiomyomata is still in development. The Embolization method consists of threading a catheter through the uterine arteries and inserting a number of small plastic pellets which block the blood flow to the tumor by obstruction their corresponding blood vessels. The tumors will be killed by necrosis. A limited number of cases has been documented, a few of which have been very successful. However, serious complications may occur, leading to possibly fatal consequences. This method is still being developed and may provide a future solution to this and other affections.