Strong Heart and Vascular Center
Division of Vascular Surgery
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Contact Us
New & Existing
Patients
If you'd like
to schedule an appointment, call us at 585-341-7030.
Referring Physicians
To refer a patient
for a consultation, call us at 585-341-7030.
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Fibroid Tumors
What are Fibroid Tumors?
Fibroid tumors are non cancerous growths that occur in the
uterus. They may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain,
urinary
frequency and other symptoms. One in four
women will develop fibroids at some point during their reproductive
years.
Learn more about fibroid tumors
Symptoms of Fibroid Tumors
Most women with fibroids experience no symptoms, but when they
do, the most common symptom is heavy and long menstrual periods.
As fibroids grow, they may also put pressure on other abdominal
organs. Some women have urinary problems if the fibroid pushes
on the bladder. Or they may become constipated if the fibroid pushes
on the rectum. Still other women complain of constant pelvic pressure
or pain. Growing fibroids may also cause lower back and leg pain.
Rarely, fibroids can interfere with pregnancy if they block
the fallopian tubes or interfere with implantation of the fertilized
egg. During pregnancy, higher levels of estrogen may cause
fibroids to grow more quickly, possibly causing pre term labor.
Diagnosing Fibroid Tumors
Fibroids often are discovered during a routine pelvic exam.
To confirm a diagnosis, a health care provider may order one
or more of the following tests...
Treatment Options
Small fibroids that do not cause symptoms may not require
any treatment other than being examined on a regular schedule.
At menopause,
estrogen
levels
decline
and will cause the fibroid tumors to shrink.
Since fibroids grow faster when estrogen is present, some
doctors will recommend that women with fibroid tumors avoid birth
control pills with high estrogen doses.
Fibroid tumors that are increasing in size may be treated with
the following methods...
- Hysterectomy
- Myomectomy (removal of fibroid tumors without harming the uterus)
- Uterine fibroid embolization
- Hormone medications (Gn-RH agonists) which block the production
of estrogen)
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