Uterine fibroid: Types, Symptoms, Treatment

Definition (Expert Homeopathy: Dr. Anutosh Chakraborty)

The uterine fibroid is a benign growth from the muscular layer of the uterus. Although the term "Fibroid" is in popular use, the correct terminology should be fibromyoma or myoma as it is muscle tissue origin containing fibrous tissue as admixture but not purely of fibrous tissue in origin.

Types

Interstitial (intramural) - It grows in the substance of the uterine wall and may remain as such, especially when small or maybe submucous or subserous. It is possible that all uterine fibroids will start by interstitial growth, then one by one, or submucous or subserous. It is the commonest type. The posterior wall of the uterus is the commonest site for this tumor formation.

Subserous (subperitoneal) -  The tumor lies underneath the peritoneum and may be sessile or pedunculated. When it grows between the layers of the broad ligaments, it forms a "ligamentary fibroid".

Very rare, a pedunculated tumor may acquire adhesions with surrounding structures and get detached from the uterine wall parasitic or wandering fibroid. This fibroid may cause severe intraperitoneal hemorrhage.

Submucous - The tumor grows underneath the mucous membrane of the uterus and projects inside the uterine cavity.

Symptoms

1) Most of them are symptomless.

2) The symptoms producing fibroids show the following:

I) Menorrhagia - this is the commonest symptom and often becomes progressive with the passage of clots. This is present in about three-fourth of cases. The causes of menorrhagia are:

1. Bleeding endometrial surface increases
2. Vascularity of the uterus increases
3. Uterine fibroid, the uterine wall may hamper hemostasis
4. Endometrial hyperplsia.

II) Other menstrual disorders. Metrorrhagia becomes a feature of submucous fibroid with ulceration or rarely endometrial carcinoma. Dysmenorrhoea can be a symptom. White discharge may appear particularly in submucous fibroid polyp.

3) Abdominal lump - There is a feeling of a lump in the lower abdomen in some cases for which the woman seeks treatment.

4) Infertility - About 30% of women with fibroids are infertile.

5) Pain - This is a rare symptom. If pain develops, the causes are:

1. Expulsion of fibroid polyp
2. Torsion of subserous fibroid
3. Vascular derangement
4. Inflammation

6) Symptoms of anemia-palpitation and weakness develop gradually.

Signs

1. Anemia is present where there is excess bleeding
2. Per abdomen examination by a physician- A firm irregular lump can be palpated arising out of the pelvis on pressure
3. Bimanual examination confirms that the uterus is enlarged with nodularity in pelvic position or to form the pelviabdominal lump.
4. The rectal examination can also better explore the pelvic cavity lump.

Treatment

The curative treatment is by surgical removal of the tumors when they are symptom-producing.

Symptomless fibroids while in pelvic position require no treatment, but need follow-up. The treatment can be conducted as 1) Conservative, 2) Operative.

In conservative treatment, homeopathy can give the best result for uterine fibroid.