Cervical Cancer Symptoms Women Shouldn’t Ignore
JUL 18, 2023Spotting, discharge, and pain are symptoms that women should not ignore. These could be symptoms of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer ...
Read MoreIf your monthly period becomes unmanageable – requiring pads, tampons and frequent bathroom breaks -- don’t suffer in silence. Heavy, prolonged periods can be a sign of fibroids, the most common type of pelvic tumors in women. These muscular tumors are very rarely cancerous, but often have uncomfortable symptoms.
An estimated 20 to 80 percent of women develop fibroids by age 50. You can have one or many fibroids and their size can range from a tiny apple seed to a sizeable grapefruit. They can grow in several locations – inside the uterine cavity, within the wall of the uterus and outside the uterus. It’s less common, but fibroids can also develop in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus.
Several factors can influence your risk of developing fibroids. If your mother had it, your risk is about three times higher than average. Risk is two to three times greater in African American women, who tend to develop symptoms earlier. Starting your period at an early age (9 to 11.5) also increases your risk. Contraceptive use has not been found to affect fibroid risk. Having babies decreases risk of fibroid formation.
What causes fibroids in some women but not others is unknown. However, genetics are thought to play a role. We do know that estrogen influences fibroid development as they tend to grow during pregnancy and recede at menopause.
Diagnosis starts with a physical exam. Fibroids are often found during a routine pelvic exam. Your health care provider may perform an ultrasound of the uterus, sonography (diagnostic ultrasound) and/or hysteroscopy (scope from inside of the uterus). Once diagnosed, women have several treatment options, from medications to surgical procedures.
My message for women: don’t suffer with annoying or painful symptoms. See your health care provider for a thorough diagnosis and to learn your treatment options.
To learn more about treatment options for fibroids, please visit CHI Health Women's Health.
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