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Fibroids 

Fibroids are benign (non-cancerous) growth of the muscle of the uterus (womb).

It is a very common finding in women, Most of these are small and cause no problem at all. Most women may not know they have fibroids as these are frequently small and do not cause any symptoms or problems.

 

They are incidentally detected during a scan (ultrasound, CT or MRI) for other reasons.

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Larger fibroid (depending on it size and location) can cause heavy periods, pressure symptoms (such as bladder pressure and frequency, bloating, bowel pressure), and reduced fertility.


Malignant (cancerous) fibroids (sarcomas) are rare, They are more frequently associated with abnormal bleeding and pain in post-menopausal women.

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TYPES OF FIBROIDS 

 

Fibroids are usually described according to the origin of their location within the uterus.

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  • Submucosal fibroids arise from the inside wall of the uterus

  • Intramural fibroids arise from the deep muscle layer of the uterus itself.

  • Subserosal fibroids arise from the external wall of the uterus, causing protrusion to the external shape of the uterus.

  • Pedunculated fibroids have stalks connecting them to the external wall of the uterus.

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TREATMENT

 

Fibroids which are not causing any symptoms do not need to be treated or removed. They may be followed-up with serial ultrasound until menopause, when fibroids normally shrink with the reduction of hormonal supply from the ovaries.

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Hormonal medications can be used to reduce the size of fibroids, however these medications cause medical induced menopause (during the duration of the treatment) and is not recommended as a long term treatment of fibroid.

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  • Myomectomy surgical removal of fibroid 

  • Hysterectomy surgical removal of the entire uterus 

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These treatment options are offered depending on your:

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  • age

  • medical condition

  • fertility wishes

  • personal preference​

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The decision to treat fibroids within the uterus through surgical removal of the fibroids (myomectomy) or surgical removal of the entire uterus (hysterectomy) is individualised to each woman’s circumstances;

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  • The size

  •  location

  •  number of fibroids

  •  woman’s symptoms

  •  age

  •  desire for fertility are some of the factors considered.

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For more information contact our rooms to make an appointment with the gynaecologist Ph: 03 8560 2227 

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