Uterine fibroids are very common, occurring in one out of every three women of reproductive age. Fortunately, most uterine fibroids do not cause symptoms and are diagnosed incidentally during a normal pelvic examination or pelvic ultrasound. However, some patients seek help from their doctor in relieving symptoms caused by fibroids, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, pelvic pressure, urinary frequency, constipation, back pain, or painful intercourse.
Uterine fibroids can occur in several different locations within the uterus and are often multiple (See image below: Fibroid Locations). Submucosal fibroids are fibroids that grow and bulge into the inner lining (the endometrial cavity) of the uterus. These fibroids are most often associated with heavy menstrual bleeding and infertility issues. Intramural fibroids occur within the muscular wall of the uterus and are completely surrounded by normal uterine tissue. Subserosal fibroids develop on the outside of the

|
Fibroid Locations
(click on image to enlarge)
|
uterus. Pedunculated fibroids are attached to the uterus by stalk. The symptoms caused by fibroids can vary significantly depending on the size, number and location of the fibroid tumors. These factors may also affect the best treatment options available to a patient with fibroids.
The presence of fibroids suspected by physical examination can be confirmed using non-invasive imaging techniques such as ultrasound and/or MRI. Most patients are imaged using ultrasound initially but a pelvic MRI is required in all patients being evaluated as potential candidates for uterine fibroid embolization (UFE). MRI provides more information concerning the size, number, location, and blood supply to the fibroids.
|