Introduction to uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyomas, are the most common benign tumors in the female reproductive organs and one of the most common tumors in the human body. This type of tumor is mainly formed by abnormal proliferation of uterine smooth muscle cells, which can be divided into cervical fibroids and uterine fibroids according to their growth sites. It can also be further subdivided into submucosal fibroids, subserosal fibroids, and intramural fibroids based on their relationship with the muscle wall. The incidence rate of uterine fibroids is quite high. According to statistics, almost one in five women may suffer from uterine fibroids, especially among women over 30 years old, the incidence rate is more than 20%.

Symptom manifestations

The symptoms of uterine fibroids are often not obvious and are often accidentally discovered during physical examinations. However, when the fibroids are large or located in a special area, patients may experience a series of symptoms, including prolonged menstruation, increased menstrual flow (which may cause anemia), increased vaginal discharge, abdominal lumps, as well as symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, lower abdominal bloating, constipation, etc. caused by fibroid compression.

Latest treatment methods

There are various methods for treating uterine fibroids, and the specific choice should be considered comprehensively based on factors such as the patient's symptoms, fibroid size, and fertility needs. Here are several main treatment methods:

Observation and treatment: For uterine fibroids with no obvious symptoms or mild symptoms, regular observation can be chosen to monitor the growth of fibroids through gynecological examinations.

Drug therapy: Commonly used drugs include gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogues (such as leuprorelin, goserelin) and mifepristone, which can regulate hormone levels, slow down the growth rate of fibroids, and alleviate symptoms.

Interventional therapy: For larger uterine fibroids or patients with obvious symptoms, interventional therapy is a minimally invasive treatment method, such as uterine artery catheter embolization, which blocks the blood supply of the fibroids to promote their shrinkage or disappearance.

Surgical treatment: When the fibroid volume is large, symptoms are severe, or drug therapy is ineffective, surgical treatment should be considered, including myomectomy and hysterectomy. Surgery can completely remove tumors, but it may have an impact on fertility.

Laser therapy: This is a novel treatment method suitable for smaller uterine fibroids. Laser directly acts on tumor tissue, destroys tumor cells, and achieves therapeutic goals.

Please note that the above treatment methods are for reference only, and the specific treatment plan should be developed by professional doctors based on the patient's specific situation. At the same time, patients should maintain a positive attitude during the treatment process, follow medical advice, and undergo regular check ups to promote recovery.