The Truth About Fibroids
About one fourth of all women encounter some growth in the uterus. The most common variety of them is the fibroid. Fibroids are simply non-cancerous tumours found in the uterus of women. It can occur at any age, though it is found more commonly after the age of about thirty.
Fibroids can be of any size, starting out at about a few centimetres to large masses that cover a sizeable portion of the uterus. It is a little difficult to find out the occurence of fibroids since there are rarely any significant signs that can point to its presence. However, as the fibroid grows in the uterus, there may be symptoms like heavy menstrual bleeding, cramps in the abdominal region, discomfort, inability to conceive, or even a lump in the abdomen.
The earliest form of treatment for fibroids was surgical removal. Under anaesthesia, fibroids were removed after an incision was made, and typical time for recovery was between five and seven days, after which much precaution needed to be taken.
Laparoscopic treatments have replaced surgery in most cases. This involves about two or three minute openings to be made, and a telescope fitted to help separate and remove fibroids. This is a more advanced procedure that requires sufficient training and a skillful hand. Recovery is known to be much faster in this form of treatment, and discomfort is minimal.
High Intensity Focussed Ultrasounds are the newest innovation today, where no anaesthetic or surgery is required. It also preserves the cervix and the uterus. In this procedure, ultrasound waves are directed towards focussed areas of the fibroid, and the temperature of the fibroid is increased ensuring its destruction. This process requires no hospitalisation and little post procedural care. However, should the presence of fibroids persist even after the performance of this procedure, laparoscopy is then performed.
