Fast-growing uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop in the muscular structure of the organ. With this disease, most women have no symptoms. However, fast-growing uterine fibroids can lead to frequent urination, cause bleeding, abdominal and lower back pain. The exact cause of the disease is unclear, but sometimes the formation of a tumor is associated with abnormal hormone levels or obesity.

Examination of fast-growing uterine fibroids

Many people are interested in the question: fast-growing uterine fibroids, what is it? This is the same benign neoplasm as a common fibroid, but for various (often unknown) reasons, it grows rapidly. It is possible to identify this type of tumor during a standard physical examination. Ultrasound is prescribed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the structure of the neoplasm. An MRI scan is used to determine the exact coordinates and dimensions of a rapidly growing uterine fibroid before surgery. Hysterosalpingography or sonohysterography may also be prescribed.

Imaging methods cannot provide an accurate answer: is it benign or malignant? In addition, rapid or unexpected growth, especially after menopause, increases the suspicion that the neoplasm may be a sarcoma. In these cases, a biopsy is prescribed.

Treatment of fast-growing uterine fibroids

To reduce the symptoms of fast-growing uterine fibroids, medications are used to control hormonal levels and to reduce painful menstrual periods. Anemia is treated with iron supplements. Intrauterine devices with the hormone levonorgestrel are effective in limiting menstrual blood flow and improving other symptoms. Side effects are usually few, since levonorgestrel (progestin) is secreted locally in low concentrations. Cabergoline in a moderate and well-tolerated dose contributes to the effective reduction of fibroma.

Ulipralate acetate may be prescribed before surgery. It is a progesterone receptor modulator that can reduce the volume of fibroids by up to 70%. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues also cause temporary regression of fibroids by reducing estrogen levels.

In modern clinics, patients with fast-growing uterine fibroids can undergo uterine artery embolization. In this non-invasive procedure, blood flow to the tumor is blocked, thereby stopping its nutrition and growth. Another minimally invasive method of limiting the blood supply to fibroids is transvaginal or laparoscopic occlusion of the uterine arteries.

Surgery of fast-growing uterine fibroids

A myomectomy is an operation to remove one or more fibroids, usually recommended when conservative treatment options are not suitable. This procedure is organ-preserving and does not reduce a woman's fertility. Myomectomy is mainly performed transvaginally or through small incisions in the lower abdomen. Endometrial ablation, radiofrequency ablation, and focused ultrasound treatment are also available in modern clinics.