Leiomyoma originating from the uterus is the most common benign mass in women, deriving from smooth muscle cells known as the myometrium, which is the muscle of the uterus. Depending on the cell from which it originates, it can also be referred to as a "fibroid."
While evaluating treatment options, the patient's complaints, priorities, internal issues, the number, size, and location of the myomas should be taken into account. In general summary; if it's believed that the patient will not neglect their check-ups, monitoring for growth at specific intervals can be an option. Recently, this approach is more accepted for slower-growing myomas with no tendency towards malignancy, compared to invasive surgical methods.
- Medical treatment: For patients with myoma, this aims to reduce bleeding and the internal issues it causes. Detailed medical treatment options should be considered based on the patient's medical condition and compliance with treatment.
- Surgical treatment: If this decision is made, it should be evaluated according to the patient's age, desire for children, and problems experienced due to myoma. In this context, depending on the location, size, and number of the myoma, options range from myomectomy, which involves removing only the myoma, to total abdominal hysterectomy, and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, where all internal genital organs may be removed. Whether the operation will be closed (laparoscopic) or open (laparotomic) or vaginal is determined by the characteristics of the myoma, its number, size, the surgeon's skill, and operating room conditions.
What are the Symptoms of Myoma?
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Pain and pressure symptoms depending on size/location
- Infertility
- Issues such as miscarriage or preterm birth can be included.
What are the Consequences of Delay in Myoma Treatment?
Recent studies have shown no association between the growth of myomas and an increased likelihood of cancer, with issues mainly arising from bleeding caused by the myoma and subsequent anemia and medical complications.
What Causes Myoma?
Despite being a significant health issue among women of childbearing age, concrete and consistent data regarding the reasons for myoma formation are currently unavailable. Genetic predisposition is being focused on.
How is Myoma Diagnosed?
Myomas, typically detected by anamnesis and complaints from the patient and gynecological examination through vaginal palpation, can be easily identified with vaginal or pelvic ultrasonography for a more precise diagnosis. Diagnostic curettage can be done to rule out malignant issues and to clarify the treatment steps.
What are the Types of Myomas?
Myomas can be submucosal, intramural, or subserosal pedunculated depending on their location.
Do Myomas Cause Infertility?
There is such a possibility, depending on their location and size. Mechanically, they may obstruct gamete and embryo transfer. They may disrupt uterine contractions, which facilitate sperm motility. They may impair areas where pregnancy attaches, preventing uterine expansion. They may lead to early pregnancy terminations.
Is Laparoscopic Myomectomy a Definitive Treatment for Myomas?
If the decision for surgical indication regarding myoma treatment is made collaboratively by the patient and physician, surgical treatment with laparoscopy, considering the patient's age and priorities, is possible. Thus, the patient's post-operative period, return to normal life, and bleeding risk are reduced.
Modern Approaches in Monitoring and Treating Myomas
In women diagnosed with myoma, the treatment process should be individually planned. Treatment options, varying according to the size, location of the myomas, and the patient's age, can be carried out with both open and closed surgical methods today. Particularly, myoma surgery performed with the laparoscopic method is often preferred due to its minimally invasive nature and faster patient recovery.
Surgical intervention may not be necessary in every myoma case. One of the most important details that women seeking an answer to what myoma is should know is that some myomas can exist in the body for years without causing any symptoms. Symptoms of myoma, including heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, constipation, and infertility, can adversely affect daily quality of life. In such cases, myoma surgery may become inevitable.
What are the Symptoms of Myoma in the Uterus?
Symptoms of myoma in the uterus generally vary depending on its location and size. Especially submucosal myomas can significantly increase menstrual bleeding, while subserosal myomas can cause urinary and bowel problems by pressing on surrounding organs. Therefore, the symptoms of myoma should be well analyzed, and the diagnosis of myoma should be made timely.
Diagnosis and Imaging Methods of Myomas
Myoma diagnosis is generally detected during a gynecological examination, but ultrasonography is used for definitive diagnosis. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can also be used as an additional diagnostic method when necessary. Clarifying the diagnosis plays a key role in forming the treatment plan. Before planning a myoma surgery, all these evaluations should be conducted in detail.
Post-Surgery Process of Myoma Operation
Most patients can return to their daily lives within a few days after myoma surgery. This process may vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient's overall health status. Regular doctor check-ups post-operation are important for the early detection of recurrence risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a myoma?
A myoma is a benign tumor structure originating from the muscle tissue of the uterus, often sensitive to the hormone estrogen. Also known medically as a uterine fibroid, myomas are among the most commonly encountered gynecological tumors in women. These formations mostly occur in women of reproductive age and can sometimes exist without symptoms for years. Some myomas can grow, occupy space in the uterus, exert pressure on surrounding tissues, or lead to issues such as bleeding. The diameter of myomas can range from a few millimeters to 10-15 centimeters and may sometimes be multiple. Myomas, which can have different types depending on their location inside the uterus, are a significant health issue requiring regular gynecological check-ups.
What are the symptoms of myoma?
Symptoms of myoma generally vary depending on the myoma's location and size within the uterus. The most common symptom is that menstrual periods become long and excessively heavy. This can lead to anemia over time, causing problems like weakness and fatigue. As the myoma grows, symptoms such as pain, a feeling of pressure, or bloating in the abdomen or pelvic area may also emerge. Myomas located in the uterus may press against the bladder or bowels, causing issues like frequent urination or constipation. Some women may experience pain during sexual intercourse, while others may encounter difficulties in conceiving or complications like miscarriage. Therefore, symptoms of myoma should be regarded and consultation with an expert doctor should be sought without delay.
How is myoma diagnosed?
Myoma diagnosis is often made during a gynecological examination. During the examination, the doctor can suspect myoma by evaluating the size of the uterus. However, ultrasonography is the most commonly used imaging method for confirming the diagnosis. Vaginal ultrasound, in particular, provides detailed imaging of the intrauterine structures, offering clear information on the myoma's location, size, and number. In certain special cases, advanced techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used for more detailed evaluation. Diagnostic procedures, like hysteroscopy, can also be applied to see whether the myoma affects intrauterine tissue. Once a myoma is diagnosed, the treatment plan is established according to the severity of the symptoms.
When is myoma surgery necessary?
Myoma surgery is not a treatment method that needs to be applied to every patient. In some special cases, surgical intervention becomes inevitable. If the woman experiences severe menstrual bleeding due to myoma, leading to anemia, feels constant pelvic pain, or if the myoma presses against surrounding organs and complicates daily life, surgery may be required. Rapid growth of the myoma, continued growth after menopause, or its negative impact on fertility are also significant indicators for surgery. Myoma surgery can be performed as myomectomy, which involves removing the myoma, or hysterectomy, which involves the complete removal of the uterus. Depending on the surgeon's preference and the structure of the myoma, open, closed (laparoscopic), or hysteroscopic methods can be used. Following myoma surgery, the patient usually returns to daily life shortly and experiences a significant decrease in complaints.