Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas or uterine fibromas, are noncancerous (benign) growths that grow on the inner muscles of the uterus. These growths can range in size from as small as a pinhead to as large as a melon. They are almost always caused by hormonal changes, especially those from estrogen and progesterone. Fibroids can grow as a single tumor or as many as several. Fibroids are very common in women over the age of thirty-five.자궁선근증한의원 They usually cause no symptoms, but if they are very large or are present in a woman who is trying to get pregnant, they can affect fertility and make it difficult to become pregnant.
Most often, uterine fibroids are diagnosed through routine gynecological exams. However, if you are having signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids, such as heavy menstrual bleeding or pain in the lower abdomen, your doctor may want to order an imaging test, such as ultrasound or CT scan.
MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound to heat and destroy uterine fibroids. During the 3-hour procedure, you will lie inside an MRI machine and receive a mild sedative to help you relax. A radiologist will use the MRI to target the fibroid tissue and direct the ultrasound beam to it. The ultrasound beam is reflected off the tissue and converted to heat energy that destroys the fibroid. The fibroid will then shrink and the pain and other symptoms should resolve. MRgFUS is a good option for younger women who wish to preserve their fertility, as it can be used while the uterus is still growing.
Another type of fibroid treatment is uterine artery embolization (UAE). During this procedure, your doctor will insert a catheter into a vein in your leg near your groin crease and then guide it into the uterus where it is placed into the arteries that supply blood to your uterus. The fibroid will not be able to get the oxygen it needs, so it will start to die and shrink. This typically relieves the symptoms of uterine fibroids in 80 to 90 percent of patients. It is less effective for older women who are close to menopause.자궁근종한약
Several surgeries can be used to remove uterine fibroids, including laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy and abdominal myomectomy. Abdominal myomectomy is an alternative to hysterectomy, and it can be used for women who are having difficulty getting pregnant and for those who have very large or deep fibroids. Fibroids can recur after these procedures, so if you are planning to have children, your doctor may recommend waiting to treat them until after child bearing is complete.