If you’re dealing with fibroids, you might be wondering if surgery is your only option. Here’s what you need to know about fibroid sizes and surgery.
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Introduction
Fibroids are benign (noncancerous) growths that develop in the muscle tissue of the uterus. They are also called leiomyomas or myomas. Fibroids can range in size from very small to large enough to fill the entire uterus.
Most fibroids do not cause symptoms,
but some can cause pain and heavy bleeding. Some women with fibroids may have problems getting pregnant or may have a higher risk for miscarrying.
If you have fibroids and are experiencing symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove them. The type of surgery you have will depend on the size and location of your fibroids, as well as your symptoms.
Types of Fibroids
Fibroids are growths of the uterus that often show up during childbearing years. There are four main types of fibroids: submucosal, intramural, subserosal, and pedunculated.
Submucosal Fibroids
Submucosal fibroids are the type that can have the most impact on your fertility and are most likely to cause heavy or prolonged bleeding. They grow just under the lining of the womb into the space where a fertilised egg would implant. If you have submucosal fibroids and you’re trying to conceive, there’s a higher chance that your baby will implant in the wrong place (becoming what is known as an ectopic pregnancy), which can be life-threatening.
Submucosal fibroids are also more likely than other types of fibroids to cause problems during pregnancy, such as:
– premature labour
– low birth weight
– Caesarean section
As they grow larger, submucosal fibroids can sometimes protrude into the cavity of the womb, making it difficult for a fertilised egg to implant there. They may also make it difficult for an embryo to attach to the womb lining properly during IVF treatment.
Intramural Fibroids
Intramural fibroids are the most common type of fibroid, accounting for 50 to 70 percent of all cases, according to the National Institutes of Health. These fibroids grow within the muscular walls of the uterus and can range in size from very small (less than 1 centimeter) to large (more than 5 centimeters).
While intramural fibroids rarely cause problems during pregnancy, they can occasionally distort the shape of the uterus, which can cause complications during childbirth. If a woman has intramural fibroids that are causing pain or other symptoms, she may be candidates for uterine artery embolization or myomectomy— two procedures that can help to improve symptoms and reduce the size of the fibroid.
Pedunculated Fibroids
A pedunculated fibroid is a type of fibroid that grows on a stalk, or peduncle. Pedunculated fibroids can grow either inside or outside of the uterus. Most pedunculated fibroids are small, but they can grow to be large. Large pedunculated fibroids can cause pain and bleeding.Pedunculated fibroids may also cause fertility problems.
Factors That Determine If Surgery Is Needed
There are many factors that go into deciding whether or not surgery is needed to remove fibroids. The size of the fibroids is just one factor. Other factors that will be considered include:
Fibroid Size
Fibroid size is one of the main factors that determines whether or not surgery is needed. Fibroids can range in size from as small as a pea to as large as a watermelon. Most fibroids are small and do not cause any symptoms. However, some fibroids can grow to be very large and cause severe symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pain, and pressure.
If you have fibroids that are causing symptoms, your doctor will likely recommend surgery to remove them. The type of surgery will depend on the size and location of your fibroids. Sometimes, a hysterectomy (surgery to remove the uterus) may be recommended if the fibroids are very large or if you have had multiple surgeries to remove smaller fibroids.
Fibroid Location
Fibroid location is the most important factor that determines if surgery is needed. Fibroids that are located in the back of the uterus close to the spinal column (intradural), on the outer surface of the uterus (subserosal), or invade the uterine cavity (submucosal), are more likely to cause problems such as pain, bulk symptoms, and infertility. Fibroids located towards the front of the uterus (anterior), or towards the back close to where the fallopian tubes enter (posterior), are less likely to cause problems. Therefore, surgery is more likely to be recommended for fibroids that are located in certain areas of the uterus.
Fibroid Symptoms
Symptoms from fibroids can vary depending on the size and location of the growths. Some women experience mild symptoms, while others have more painful or pronounced effects. You may have no symptoms at all, or only experience them during certain times, such as during your menstrual cycle.
Common symptoms of fibroids include:
-Heavy menstrual bleeding
-Anemia (due to heavy bleeding)
-Prolonged menstrual periods
-Pelvic pain or pressure
-Frequent urination
-Trouble emptying your bladder
-Backache or leg pain
-Constipation
Pain during sexual intercourse
Conclusion
After reading this article, you should have a better understanding of what size fibroids need surgery. Generally speaking, fibroids that are more than 5 cm in diameter are considered to be large enough to require surgery. However, there are many factors that can influence this decision, so it is always best to discuss your individual situation with your doctor.
