Uterine Fibroids
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that attach themselves to the uterine wall. Uterine fibroids may vary in size from microscopic fibroids to fibroids that occupy the entire uterine cavity. Uterine fibroids may appear as one or many. They often grow and enlarge over time and extend beyond the uterine cavity.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids are painful menstrual cycles and pelvic cramps. There may be abdominal fulness and increased urine frequency. In some women, there may no apparent symptoms to indicate uterine fibroids. Women suffering from uterine fibroids may notice backache and leg pain. There is heavy menstrual bleeding. The symptoms depend on the location of the uterine fibroids.
Fibroids have been associated with changing levels of estrogen hormones. With menopause, uterine fibroids shrink on account of the reduced levels of estrogen. A doctor will conduct a pelvic examination to detect fibroids in the uterus. Ultrasound helps in better visualization of the uterine cavity. Hysterosalpingography involves use of dye to observe the uterine cavity and fallopian tubes.
Most often uterine fibroids are left untreated. If the fibroids are growing too rapidly or causing abnormal bleeding, then suitable treatment will need to be adopted. In some cases, uterine fibroids affect fertility. Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on the age of the woman and severity of symptoms. Surgical options to treat uterine fibroids involve myomectomy (removal of fibroids leaving uterus intact). A hysterectomy is performed in post-menopausal women. Uterine artery embolization (UAE)involves using imaging techniques to locate and block the blood vessels that feed the fibroids. Sometimes medication is prescribed to lower estrogen levels. But they have disturbing side-effects.
Dilation and Curettage
Dilation and curettage or D&C is a procedure that involves widening of the cervic and removing of the uterine lining and contents by scraping and scoooping. Dilation and curettage is used as a diagnostic procedure for fibroids or uterine cancer and often as an abortion procedure during the first trimester. A hysteroscope is used to look inside the womb for abnormalities such as fibroids or polyps. D&C is also done when there is endometrial abnormality or menstrual bleeding irregularity. D&C is done under anesthesia. The procedure doesn't take much time but the woman needs to rest for the day. A D&C is not done on women who have an infection of the uterus or fallopian tubes.
CA 125 blood test
CA 125 blood test measures the level of blood antigens that are considered tumor markers. Typically the CA 125 blood test is used monitor the progress of ovarian cancer. But the CA 125 blood test is not considered a very accurate diagnostic tool. This test is used in combination with transvaginal ultrasound and pelvic examination. CA 125 blood tests often return false positive results. Besides hardly about 50% of women with ovarian cancer have elevated levels of CA 125. CA 125 levels can be elevated due to menstruation, endometriosis, fibroids and pregnancy. The newer CA 125 blood test is said to be more accurate. This test is called CA 125 - II. Readings of above 35 U/ml are considered abnormal. CA 125 blood test is used to check the effect of treatment on women suffering from ovarian cancer. It is not used to check otherwise healthy women for ovarian cancer.
Bibliography / Reference
| 