Uterine Fibroids

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Uterine Fibroids - Womb's Unwanted Roommates

  • Benign monoclonal tumors of myometrial smooth muscle cells (leiomyoma/myoma).
  • Epidemiology: Most common benign gynecological tumor. Affects 20-50% of reproductive-age women; ↑ prevalence & severity in Black women. Peak incidence: 40-50 years.
  • Risk Factors:
    • Nulliparity, early menarche (<10 yrs)
    • Obesity (peripheral estrogen conversion)
    • Family history, Black ethnicity
    • Diet (↑red meat, ↓green vegetables)
  • Etiology: Estrogen & progesterone sensitive (growth ↑ during pregnancy, ↓ post-menopause). Genetic predisposition (e.g., MED12 mutations). Types of Uterine Fibroids: Submucous, Intramural, Subserous

⭐ Submucosal fibroids are most likely to cause heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and infertility.

Uterine Fibroids - Types & Troubles

  • Nature: Benign monoclonal tumors of myometrial smooth muscle (leiomyomas). Estrogen & progesterone dependent.
  • FIGO Classification (Location):
    • Submucosal (SM): Project into uterine cavity.
      • Type 0: Pedunculated, intracavitary.
      • Type 1: <50% intramural.
      • Type 2: ≥50% intramural.
    • Intramural (IM): Within myometrium.
      • Type 3: Contacts endometrium, 100% intramural.
      • Type 4: Entirely within myometrium.
    • Subserosal (SS): Project outwards from serosa.
      • Type 5: ≥50% intramural component.
      • Type 6: <50% intramural component.
      • Type 7: Pedunculated, subserosal.
    • Other: Type 8 (cervical, parasitic, etc.). Hybrid (e.g., 2-5: SM & SS features).
  • Troubles (Clinical Presentation):
    • Often Asymptomatic.
    • Abnormal Uterine Bleeding (AUB - Menorrhagia/HMB): Most common; esp. SM (Types 0-2) & some IM.
    • Pressure/Bulk Symptoms: Urinary frequency, constipation, pelvic pain/heaviness.
    • Infertility / Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL): Cavity distortion, impaired implantation.
    • Dysmenorrhea.
    • Acute Pain: Red degeneration (esp. during pregnancy), torsion of pedunculated fibroid.

⭐ Submucosal fibroids (FIGO Types 0, 1, 2) are the most common cause of fibroid-related heavy menstrual bleeding and infertility.

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Uterine Fibroids - Spotting the Squatters

  • Key Diagnostic Tools:

    • USG:
      • TVS: Initial choice. Hypoechoic, well-defined.
      • SIS: Better view of submucosal fibroids.
    • MRI: Most accurate (size, number, location); differentiates adenomyosis. For complex cases/surgery planning.
    • Hysteroscopy: Dx & Rx for submucosal/intracavitary.
  • Differential Diagnosis:

    • Adenomyosis
    • Ovarian mass
    • Leiomyosarcoma (esp. rapid postmenopausal growth ⚠️)
    • Endometrial polyp

⭐ MRI is the gold standard for differentiating fibroids from adenomyosis and for pre-operative mapping.

  • Diagnostic Approach:

Uterine Fibroids - Eviction Notices

Tailor management: symptoms, age, fertility desire, fibroid size/location.

  • Medical Management:
    • Hormonal:
      • GnRH Agonists (Leuprolide, Goserelin): Pre-op to ↓ size/vascularity. Max 6 months (risk of osteoporosis); consider add-back therapy.
      • SPRMs (Ulipristal Acetate): Intermittent use for HMB/bulk.
      • OCPs/Progestins/LNG-IUS: Manage AUB; no size ↓.
    • Non-hormonal:
      • Tranexamic Acid: ↓ HMB.
      • NSAIDs: Dysmenorrhea relief.
  • Surgical Management:
    • Myomectomy: Fertility-sparing. Routes: hysteroscopic, laparoscopic, abdominal.
    • Hysterectomy: Definitive. For women completing family.
  • Interventional Radiology:
    • Uterine Artery Embolization (UAE): Symptomatic, poor surgical candidates, fertility not primary concern.

⭐ Ulipristal acetate, an SPRM, can be used for long-term intermittent treatment of symptomatic fibroids, offering a medical alternative to surgery for some.

Uterine Fibroid Treatment Algorithm

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) are the most common benign tumors in females, primarily affecting reproductive-aged women.
  • They are estrogen-dependent; growth often ↑ during pregnancy and ↓ after menopause.
  • Submucosal fibroids are most associated with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) and infertility.
  • Intramural fibroids are the most common type overall.
  • Transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is the gold standard for diagnosis.
  • Asymptomatic fibroids often require no treatment, just observation.
  • Red degeneration is a common type of acute painful degeneration, especially during pregnancy.

Practice Questions: Uterine Fibroids

Test your understanding with these related questions

A woman with a history of primary infertility is found to have two fibroids in the cornual region and bilateral tubal blockage, with normal ovulation and semen analysis. What is the most appropriate treatment?

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Flashcards: Uterine Fibroids

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Septate uterus is associated with _____ of uterine fundus on laparoscopy or MRI scan

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Septate uterus is associated with _____ of uterine fundus on laparoscopy or MRI scan

presence (absence/presence)

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