Copyright © 2008, Joel Garris MD, FACR. All rights reserved.
INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY
Minimally Invasive Alternatives to Surgery
Overview
What are fibroids?
Fibroids are non-cancerous tumors of the uterus.
However, they do have a rich blood supply and may cause bleeding, pain and pressure symptoms in the pelvis
* Fibroids are the most common tumors that grow in the pelvis of women
* 40% of women have fibroids by age 35 increasing to menopause
* 20% of women with fibroids have associated symptoms
* 600,000 hysterectomies are performed per year
* Fibroids are the most common reason for hysterectomies
* 200,000 annual hysterectomies for fibroids annual cost of over $1 billion
* Fibroids may grow rapidly during pregnancy due to increase in estrogen
* Fibroids shrink with menopause and become asymptomatic
* Fibroids will not shrink in post menopausal women taking estrogen
Where are fibroids located?
Fibroid sizes ranges from very small (pea size) to very large (size of a softball or larger). They are categorized according to their location:
1. Intramural fibroids are the most common and are situated in the muscle wall without proximity to the inside (endometrium) or outside (serosa) lining of the uterus. They can cause heavier menstrual bleeding, pelvic and back pain or generalized pelvic pressure.
2. Subserosal fibroids develop just under the outside lining of the uterus; these typically cause pelvic and back pain or symptoms due to pressure on adjacent structures.
3. Submucosal fibroids are located just under the inside lining of the uterus (endometrium). These can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and cramping.
4. Pedunculated fibroids arise from a stalk and may be subserosal and/or submucosal.
Current and accurate information for patients about Uterine Fibroid Embolization. Learn what you might experience, how to prepare for the exam, benefits, risks and more
Uterine Fibroids
