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Uterine fibroids
Reasons for the sudden enlargement of uterine fibroids
Uterine fibroids generally grow slowly. In clinical practice, if there is a sudden increase in the size of uterine fibroids in a short period, it is recommended that the patient immediately seek medical attention at a local hospital to ascertain the cause. Commonly observed reasons for an increase in the size of uterine fibroids include: firstly, if the uterine fibroids are tending towards malignancy, they can increase in size rapidly. Additionally, during pregnancy, under the influence of high levels of hormones in the body, pregnant women may also experience a sudden increase in the size of uterine fibroids, accompanied by red degeneration.
How long does uterine fibroid surgery take?
Firstly, there are several types of surgeries for uterine fibroids, so the duration of the surgery depends on the size of the fibroids, the surgical method, and the type of anesthesia used. If the surgery is an open surgery for simply removing benign uterine fibroids, the operation, including the time for anesthesia, generally takes about two hours, which is not very long. If the surgery is done laparoscopically under general anesthesia, it may take a longer time, and it takes some time for the patient to recover from anesthesia post-surgery. If the uterine tumor is malignant, then the surgery might require rapid pathological examination and the removal of other areas, leading to a more extended surgery time which can vary significantly.
What is uterine fibroids?
In clinical practice, uterine fibroids are common benign tumors found in female reproductive organs. Clinically, they present with symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, and pressure on the rectum, causing difficulty in defecation, as well as pressure on the bladder, leading to urgency in urination. Uterine fibroids, also known as fibromyomas or uterine leiomyomas, are the most common tumors in the human body. They mainly consist of proliferating smooth muscle cells of the uterus, with a small amount of fibrous connective tissue acting as support. Uterine fibroids can affect the function of the reproductive cycle. It is advisable to visit a gynecologist for examination and actively seek treatment.
Do uterine fibroids require surgery?
Whether or not surgery is needed for uterine fibroids primarily depends on clinical symptoms, with clinical symptoms as the criterion. If the fibroids are small but affect menstruation, such as heavy periods or noticeable prolongation and increase in menstrual flow, surgery might be necessary. Another consideration for surgery is if the fibroid noticeably enlarges in a short period, and there's a suspicion of malignant transformation. Additionally, if there are significant symptomatic compressions clinically, surgery might also be considered. Therefore, if someone has uterine fibroids, it's important to consult with a gynecologist who can assess the situation based on ultrasound and physical examination to determine whether surgery is required.
How to check for uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids can primarily be diagnosed through ultrasound and gynecological examinations. Uterine fibroids are relatively easy to diagnose; an ultrasound can reveal irregular masses on the uterus or solid echoes, with a fairly intact capsule, which could be either solitary or multiple, confirming the presence of uterine fibroids. During a gynecological examination, an irregular uterine shape with localized protrusions can be felt, which are fairly mobile and typically not associated with significant pain, further confirming the presence of uterine fibroids.
How to check for uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are a type of benign tumor of the female reproductive organs. Uterine fibroids are a common gynecological disease and are frequently occurring; they can be clearly seen via abdominal ultrasound. Uterine fibroids mainly form due to the proliferation of uterine smooth muscle cells, with a small amount of fibrous connective tissue existing as a supportive tissue. If the fibroids do not exceed five centimeters and do not affect menstruation or present any clinical symptoms, conservative treatment can be considered, with attention to regular follow-up examinations.
Uterine fibroid examination items
When suspecting that a woman has uterine fibroids, the first step is to perform a routine gynecological examination by opening the vagina with a speculum. This is necessary because some women's uterine fibroids are located on the cervix; at this point, it is possible to see an increased size of the cervix and the fibroid may be visible protruding from the cervix. Moreover, during the bimanual gynecological examination, one may find that the uterus is enlarged and irregularly shaped with localized protrusions. Generally, the mobility is quite good. Additionally, some auxiliary examinations can be combined, such as the most common transvaginal ultrasound or pelvic abdominal ultrasound. For suspected submucosal uterine fibroids, a hysteroscopic examination can also be performed for diagnosis.
Do uterine fibroids have a genetic component?
Uterine fibroids indeed have a certain hereditary quality, similar to some other tumors or diseases, with a definite familial genetic component. However, the condition of uterine fibroids varies from person to person and is also related to acquired factors such as estrogen levels. The majority of uterine fibroids are simply carried, with the incidence in the population reaching over 20%. Many people with uterine fibroids do not need to worry about them, and no surgery is required, as regular check-ups are sufficient. After menopause, some fibroids may shrink and gradually disappear on their own. Some uterine fibroids during the reproductive years will ultimately require surgery, and there is also a small chance of needing surgery after menopause.
Are uterine fibroids contagious?
The exact causes of uterine fibroids are not yet clear, but since fibroids commonly occur during reproductive years, are rarely seen before puberty, and tend to shrink or regress after menopause, it suggests that the occurrence of fibroids may be related to female hormones. Studies have shown that uterine fibroid tissues are highly sensitive to estrogen, which is one of the important factors in the development of fibroids. Additionally, research indicates that progesterone promotes mitotic activity in fibroids, stimulating the growth of uterine fibroids. Cytogenetic studies show that some uterine fibroids have chromosomal abnormalities. Based on these studies, it is evident that uterine fibroids are not contagious.
What department should I visit for uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are a common gynecological condition. Once uterine fibroids occur, it is necessary to register for a gynecological examination. Further gynecological ultrasound examinations are required to determine the location of the uterine fibroids. There are several types of uterine fibroids, including subserosal, intramural, and submucosal fibroids. In particular, if submucosal fibroids are present, regardless of their size, timely surgery is needed due to the high risk of severe bleeding and anemia they pose. If the submucosal fibroid is small, hysteroscopic submucosal fibroid electrosurgery can be performed. If the fibroid is large, an open surgery may be necessary. Additionally, in the case of intramural and subserosal uterine fibroids, if the fibroid continues to grow larger than five centimeters, there is also a potential risk of malignancy, thus timely surgical treatment is recommended.