Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. Also called leiomyomas (lie-o-my-O-muhs) or myomas, uterine fibroids aren’t associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer.
Fibroids range in size from seedlings, undetectable by the human eye, to bulky masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus. You can have a single fibroid or multiple ones. In extreme cases, multiple fibroids can expand the uterus so much that it reaches the rib cage and can add weight.
Many women who have fibroids don’t have any symptoms. In those that do, symptoms can be influenced by the location, size and number of fibroids.
In women who have symptoms, the most common signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids include:
● Heavy menstrual bleeding
● Menstrual periods lasting more than a week
● Pelvic pressure or pain
● Frequent urination
● Difficulty emptying the bladder
● Constipation
● Backache or leg pains
Rarely, a fibroid can cause acute pain when it outgrows its blood supply, and begins to die.
Ultrasound guided radio frequency ablation of uterine fibroids is relatively safe and effective procedure. It can be applied to the fibroids with varying localizations and sizes. It reduces the fibroid volume and obviate a need for more invasive treatment.