I am using my sons account I hope this posts anonymous.. Last week I was told I have a fibroid tumor the size of a grapefruit. Tomorrow I go for my ultrasound. My Doctor made the comment that it is "getting about that time" referring to a hysterectomy. This tumor has caused no problems untill the last few months. Lately It has been giving me a feeling of pressure on my bladder. I had no idea I had a tumor, I thought it was going to be diagnosed as a bladder infection. My question is is there any alternative treatment available for a fibroid tumor this large other than a hysterectomy? Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank You.
Answer:
Fibroids are usually benign tumors of the uterine muscle.
Ocassionally, a fast growing tumor might elicit the concern of not
being benign (that is being a "bad" tumor.
If that is not a concern, a fibroid does not need to be removed unless it
causes symptoms. The most common ones are related to heavy bleeding
and cramps. They can also, by their size, cause symptoms of compression of
neighboring organs such as the bladder and rectum, as well as pelvic pressure
and back pain.
If the decision is made to do something about them beacuse of the severity
of the symptoms, one can remove the uterus (hysterectomy), or just remove
the fibroid (myomectomy) which is used mainly on people that want to maintain
their ability to have children. This last option does not guarantee that in
the future, very small tumors left behind dont grow back and require another
operation.
There is a medication called GnRh agonists in their generic term, and known
by their brand name of Lupron or Synarel that will shrink fibroids
considerably (maybe 30 or 40%) if taken for a long time (6 months to a year)
They do that by blocking the production of estrogens, so it deprives the
from a substance which is mainly responsible for their growth.
The side effects that are of most concern, are those related to going
through an induced menopause,such as hot flashes, osteoporosis, etc.
When the medication is stopped, the fibroids tend to grow again.
So you have several choices, including not doing anything. Talk to your
doctor about your choices,his recommendation, and its rational.
--
Sincerely
Ed Kneler, MD
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