Fibroids are non-cancerous growths that develop in or around the uterus (womb). They are made up of muscle and fibrous tissue, and vary in size. They are sometimes known as uterine fibromas, myomas or leiomyomas. They are typically benign, or noncancerous. The cause of fibroids is unknown.
There are different types of fibroids, depending on their location.
- Intramural fibroids appear within the muscular wall of the uterus.
- Subserosal fibroids form on the outside of the uterus.
- Pedunculated fibroids are connected to the uterus through a stem.
- Submucosal fibroids bulge into the uterine cavity and can potentially contribute to heavy periods.
Many women are unaware they have fibroids because they do not have any symptoms. Women who do have symptoms (around 1 in 3) may experience heavy or painful periods, abdominal pain, lower back pain, a frequent need to urinate, constipation, discomfort during sex. Rarely, fibroids can affect pregnancy and fertility.
In women with symptoms it is important to determine the size and exact location of the fibroids in order to determine if they fibroids are the cause of the symptoms and what would the best therapeutic approach be. Mr Premetis is highly skilled at performing even the most challenging ultrasound scan mappings of fibroid.
