A lady with a few anxious relatives comes to the Opd with a Sonography report. The report mentions a tumour in the Uterus (fibroid).

Now any tumour in the body always give rise to a chain of reactions.The anxiety and fear is about the possibility of malignancy or the dreaded ‘C’ word or CANCER which almost all fear to even utter .

So now let us see what is this Fibroid.

This is a fibrous non cancerous tumour which develops from the muscles of the Uterus

Fibroids generally are not very troublesome.they can be in the uterus for years together.These are hormone (Estrogen) dependant and so can increase in size in the reproductive years, and also during
Pregnancy.Their size tends to reduce as the lady approaches Menopause .This size can range from a pea to a watermelon.

About 10% of all women have Fibroids.

Fibriods can arise from different sites inside the Uterus.If they are inside the cavity of the Uterus,they usually cause heavy and painful periods and so are diagnosed and treated early.

Fibroids which arise from the muscle wall or outside the uterus usually don’t cause any symptoms.Such fibroids are usually reported on sonography done for some other problems or on routine screening.

If the fibroids are not causing any problems, they rarely require treatment.

Here is where Counselling the patient and removing all the fear from her mind plays an important role.

There are various medical treatment available for fibroids.The LNG IUS/Mirena is a very good choice .It helps to reduce pain and heavy bleeding.In addition,it works an an excellent Contraceptive.The fibroid can be removed surgically ,if the uterus has to be retained for fertility.

If child bearing is complete, Hysterectomy or removal of the Uterus gives a complete cure.

Dr Shalaka Shintre Shimpi
M.D.(Obstetrics and Gynaecology)