A fibroid is a muscle tumor with the highest incidence in middle-aged women. Fibroid tumors are located mainly at the uterine level. However, cases in the retroperitoneum hardly produce symptoms, or in other locations where there is smooth muscle. This fact delays the diagnosis and causes them to present a large size when we detect them. In addition, periodic monitoring of patients with adequate fibroid tumor treatment options is recommended since, in some cases, they may recur or transform into a sarcoma.

Understanding fibroid tumor

A fibroid is a chronic and painful disease in which the endometrium grows out of its usual place and appears outside the womb. In general, this abnormal growth occurs in the pelvic cavity but can affect any body part.

The ectopic tissue responds in the same way as that inside the womb to the hormones of the ovary, which is ultimately responsible for the disease, which is why this disease only appears during the woman's reproductive life. The main symptoms are impulsive pain (in different forms, but generally always very intense) and difficulties in succeeding pregnancy (it is estimated that around 30% of patients with fibroids are sterile).

Fibroid tumor treatment options:

The usual fibroid treatment of the disease consists of taking anti-inflammatory drugs to calm the pain and using hormones that inhibit the growth of ectopic tissue. Although they are very effective, they are not without side effects, so many patients ask us about the possibility of using natural fibroid tumor treatment options and more to replace them.

Uterine fibroids are solid tumors composed of smooth muscle cells and collagenous tissue, their growth influenced by estrogen and progesterone. The most common symptoms are vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and infertility, although they may be asymptomatic.

The diagnosis in the first instance is clinical. Bimanual vaginal examination is the ideal method for confirmation.

Diagnostic ultrasound after clinical examination in fibroid treatment is the first imaging investigation performed on patients with gynecological symptoms presenting with pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding. It is an affordable, well-tolerated, and low-cost diagnosis. Its biggest drawback is that the diagnosis depends on the experience of the equipment operator.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is another diagnostic method of fibroid treatment. It offers detailed information on the location, size, number, and characteristics of the fibroid(s) to be treated, as well as their relationship with the cervix and other uterine alterations of the ovaries. However, its use is limited to those patients who require it and will be indicated on a personalized basis.

The fibroid treatment chosen for a patient with symptomatic uterine fibroma is highly variable. It depends on the location, firstly, on the size of the uterus and, secondly, on the number of tumors and the patient's age, parity, and wishes for new offspring.

Various therapies are used in fibroid treatment, whose purpose may be as a symptomatic treatment to control bleeding or reduce it prior to conservative surgery. Among these are:

Hormonal treatments:

Gonadotropin-releasing agonists, oral contraceptives, progesterone, and androgens are usually used temporarily in hormonal treatment.

Conventional or laparoscopic hysterectomy, as well as myomectomy and hysteroscopy, in the case of submucosal fibromas, present high morbidity due to: blood loss, prolonged surgical time, and the presence of postoperative complications.


Uterine Artery Embolization:

Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is a minimally invasive method that involves injecting an embolizing material into the uterine arteries. It results in decreased blood flow to the fibroids and decreased symptoms, and better quality of life for patients affected by this condition with the preservation of the organ. UAE is a therapeutic alternative to hysterectomy and myomectomy for fibroids treatment.

Compared to hysterectomy and myomectomy, UAE has substantial advantages: similar efficacy with less severe complications, preservation of the uterus, short hospital stay, faster recovery time, and may be an alternative treatment for patients who are not the ideal candidates for surgery.

Uterine artery embolization is the most applied fibroid tumor treatment option.

Uterine artery embolization is performed by injecting vascular occlusive material through the catheter into these arterial structures on both sides to prevent blood supply to the uterine fibroid. As a result, irreversible ischemia occurs. The most widely used embolizing agents are polyvinyl alcohol particles or microspheres in both uterine arteries.

Fibroid necrosis occurs while preserving uterine function in most cases. This is why uterine artery embolization (UAE) has become an increasingly popular fibroid treatment and is an effective treatment method for symptomatic uterine fibroids.

A high percentage of patients with symptomatic uterine fibroids who have undergone uterine artery embolization have had a decrease in symptoms and the size of the fibroids.

From the first patients treated, uterine artery embolization emerged as a minimally invasive, safe treatment that reduces the fibroid's size and symptoms. And in addition, it allows the patient to return to her daily activities in less time than the other methods, so this fibroid treatment has gained acceptance. It is considered a safe procedure with fewer complications compared to hysterectomy. In addition to allowing organ preservation, it is appropriate for women who wish to preserve fertility.

Complications:

Many complications have been described as a consequence of the UAE, although rare. There have been reports of death as a complication of treatment.

Immediate and late complications can be serious if not treated early. In the short term, the most frequent are those related to vascularization, the puncture site, pulmonary embolism, and contrast reaction, among others. Among the late ones, infection and expulsion of the fibroid generally occur weeks later.

Lassitude, low-grade fever, and nausea with loss of appetite are the symptoms of post-embolization syndrome. The patient should be well aware that this is normal in embolization of any solid organ and that they generally self-limit in 1-2 weeks.

Conclusion:

Uterine and hypogastric artery embolization techniques are acknowledged for fibroids treatment in the event of significant gynecological and obstetric bleeding.

Our Opinion at The USA Fibroids Centers Is Very Clear

Today the best fibroid tumor treatment options are those prescribed by expert doctors in the disease. We have the necessary technology, equipment, materials, and personnel in Interventional Radiology trained in these procedures, conditions that are not always present in all healthcare centers.

USA Fibroid Centers has been helping women overcome fibroids without surgery since 2016.
You can find hope in knowing our trusted fibroid doctors have years of experience performing Uterine Fibroid Embolization care
Request a consultation with a specialist in Uterine Fibroids and related symptoms at USA Fibroid Centers today.