Fibroid Diagnosis and Treatment: Permanent Solutions for Benign Masses in the Uterus
Fibroids are one of the most common gynecological problems in women of reproductive age. Although it is extremely natural to worry when told there is a “mass” or “tumor” in the uterus during a routine examination; more than 99% of fibroids are benign (not cancer) and can be treated very successfully with today’s medical possibilities.
Op. Dr. Sadık Sözdinler meticulously creates the most accurate and least exhausting treatment plan (with or without surgery) for his patients diagnosed with fibroids in Izmir, considering their age, the severity of their complaints, and future pregnancy plans.
What is a Fibroid and Why Does It Occur?
Fibroids are benign masses originating from the smooth muscle layer of the uterus (myometrium) and usually growing sensitive to the estrogen hormone. Although the exact cause is not fully known, it is known that genetic predisposition and hormonal fluctuations (estrogen and progesterone) during the reproductive years trigger fibroid growth. For this reason, fibroids generally tend to shrink with the decrease in hormone levels during menopause.
Fibroids are divided into three main groups according to their location in the uterus:
Submucosal Fibroids: These are fibroids growing towards the inner lining (cavity) of the uterus. It is the type that causes the most bleeding irregularity and can prevent pregnancy.
Intramural Fibroids: The most common type of fibroid, located within the muscle layer of the uterus. As they grow, they can distort the shape of the uterus.
Subserosal Fibroids: These are fibroids growing towards the outer surface of the uterus. They usually do not cause bleeding but can create complaints by putting pressure on surrounding organs (bladder or intestines).
What are the Symptoms of Fibroids?
Many fibroids can remain silent for years without showing any symptoms and are only noticed by chance during routine ultrasound check-ups. However, when they start to grow or settle in critical areas, they lead to the following complaints that lower the quality of life:
Much heavier, clotted, and longer-lasting menstrual bleeding than normal
Intermenstrual bleeding or spotting outside the menstrual periods
A constant feeling of pain or pressure in the groin, lower abdomen, and lower back area
Frequent urination as a result of the fibroid pressing on the bladder
Chronic constipation as a result of pressing on the intestines
Pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia)
Inability to conceive (infertility) or recurrent miscarriages
How is Fibroid Treatment Performed?
There is no single standard in fibroid treatment; the treatment must be planned completely “personally.” Op. Dr. Sadık Sözdinler focuses on the size and location of the fibroid, the complaints it creates, and most importantly, your desire to have children while planning your treatment.
Regular Follow-up (Wait and See): If the fibroid is small, does not tend to grow, and does not cause any complaints in the patient, it can be followed up with regular ultrasound check-ups without the need for any intervention.
Medication (Medical) Treatment: Hormone-regulating medications or painkillers may be prescribed to control bleeding and pain complaints and to slow down the growth of the fibroid. Medications do not completely destroy the fibroid but are used to shrink it before surgery or to alleviate complaints.
Surgical Treatment (Myomectomy / Hysterectomy): Surgical intervention is essential in fibroids that cannot be controlled with medication, grow rapidly, cause severe bleeding and anemia, or prevent pregnancy.
In young patients and those who desire children, a Myomectomy surgery is performed where only the fibroid is removed, and the uterus is preserved.
In older patients who have completed their family and have many large fibroids, the complete removal of the uterus (Hysterectomy) may be required.
Closed (Laparoscopic) Fibroid Surgery
Today, the majority of fibroid surgeries can be performed with Laparoscopy (Closed Surgery) or Hysteroscopy methods. Instead of opening the abdomen with a large incision, fibroids are safely cleaned with thin cameras and millimeter-sized instruments entered through the belly button. Thanks to this modern method, our patients feel much less pain, do not have a large surgical scar on their bodies, and can quickly return to their daily lives.
If you suspect you have fibroids or want to evaluate the current status of your existing fibroids, you can book an appointment at our clinic for a detailed ultrasonography examination and treatment planning.
