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 | What are fibroids? When do you need surgery? |
 | Fibroids are tumours of the muscle of the uterine (womb) wall. They generally are benign, i.e. non-cancerous. Only on very rare occasions, when they become very large, can they become malignant. Whether surgery is required or not depends upon where the fibroids are and whether they are causing symptoms. Fibroids which protrude into the cavity of the uterus can cause heavier bleeding which can be a problem. This can often be controlled, but not always, with medication. If a women wishes to conserve her fertility then the fibroids could be removed via surgery without removal of the womb. If they intrude into the uterine cavity they can be removed via a hysteroscope. This is placed in the womb through the cervix (the neck of the womb) and the fibroids can be shelled out. Fibroids in this position can affect fertility. Fibroids which are confined to the muscle of the uterine wall generally do not cause any symptoms and do not require treatment. If the fibroids become very large, they may cause pressure on the bladder or the bowel, depending upon their position, and then pain may occur. In these cases, the fibroid could be shelled out or a hysterectomy could be done. Treatment depends upon what symptoms are present, the size of the fibroids, the position of the fibroids and whether the woman still wants to conserve her ability to have children. |
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