Common uterine growths are called uterine fibroids. The majority of the time, uterine fibroids do not develop into cancer. They are also not associated with an increased risk of other uterine cancers. They are also known as myomas or leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs).
Fibroid quantity and size vary. One fibroid or many fibroid may be present. A portion of these growths are too tiny for the human eye to detect. Some have the potential to reach grapefruit-sized proportions. A large-growing fibroid has the potential to deform the uterus both internally and externally. Certain fibroids can enlarge to the point where they fill the stomach or pelvis in severe situations. A person may appear pregnant thanks to them.
Uterine fibroids affect a lot of people at some point in their lives. However, since they frequently don’t create any symptoms, you might not be aware that you have them. It’s possible that your doctor will discover fibroids by accident when performing a pelvic check or prenatal ultrasound.
Symptoms
Many women with uterine fibroids are asymptomatic. For those who do, the location, size, and quantity of fibroids may have an impact on their symptoms.
The following are the most typical signs of uterine fibroids:
- heavy menstrual blood or unpleasant periods.
- longer or more often occurring times.
- pelvic discomfort or pressure.
- difficulties urinating or frequent urination.
- expanding stomach region.
- loose stools.
- pain in the lower back or stomach.
Occasionally, when a fibroid begins to die and outgrow its blood supply, it can produce abrupt, severe discomfort.
Fibroids are frequently arranged geographically. Intramural fibroids develop inside the uterine muscle wall. Submucosal fibroids protrude through the uterus. Subserosal fibroids develop on the uterine wall.
Causes
It’s unclear what specifically causes uterine fibroids. However these elements might be relevant:
Gene alterations. Gene alterations found in many fibroids are distinct from those found in normal uterine muscle cells.
Hormonal. The lining of the uterus thickens with each menstrual cycle due to the actions of two hormones, progesterone and oestrogen, which help the body get ready for conception. Fibroid growth appears to be aided by these hormones too.
Compared to normal uterine muscle cells, fibroids contain a greater number of cells that bind to oestrogen and progesterone. Hormone levels decline following menopause, which causes fibroids to shrink.
More drivers of growth. Fibroid growth may be influenced by substances like insulin-like growth factor that support tissue maintenance in the body.
Matrix extracellular (ECM). This substance causes cells to adhere to one another like mortar does to bricks. Fibroids are made fibrous by an increase in ECM. Moreover, ECM stores growth substances and modifies the biology of the cells.
According to medical professionals, uterine fibroids could arise from a stem cell found in the uterus’s smooth muscle tissue. A single cell repeatedly divides. It eventually becomes a hard, rubbery mass that separates from the surrounding tissue.
Different uterine fibroids grow in different ways. They could expand quickly or slowly. Alternatively, their size may not change. Certain fibroids experience growth surges, while others naturally diminish.
Prevention
Investigations on the origins of fibroid tumours are still ongoing. However, further research is required to determine how to prevent them. It’s conceivable that uterine fibroids cannot be prevented. However, only a tiny portion of these tumours require medical attention.
Making healthy lifestyle adjustments may help reduce your risk of developing fibroid tumours. Maintain a healthy weight, if possible. Exercise on a regular basis. Consume a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and well-balanced.
According to some study, the risk of fibroids may be reduced by long-acting progestin-only contraceptives or birth control tablets. However, taking birth control tablets before turning 16 may put you at greater risk.
