What size of Uterus Fibroids is dangerous?
Many women who suffer from uterus fibroids are able to manage them and does not necessitate the need for surgery. Nonetheless, if they become too large, they can cause serious health and quality-of-life issues.
The size of the fibroids is one of the primary signs to determine whether or not to seek surgery. It is also critical to understand that fibroids fall into a different category of sizes. Other factors that can influence uterine fibroids treatment and management include location and quantity. Before making a decision about your care, work with our fibroid expert to consider all of these factors.
What is Uterus Fibroid?
Uterine fibroids are tumors that develop in the uterus of a woman. These growths are usually benign (not cancerous). If a fibroids tumor is not causing pain, bleeding excessively, or growing rapidly, it may not need to be removed.
Fibroids can range in size from tiny seedlings to bulky masses that distort and enlarge the uterus. You can have one or more fibroids. Too many fibroids can cause the uterus to expand so much that it reaches the rib cage.
Uterus Fibroid Size Chart | |
Size | Measurement (Length) |
Small fibroid | Less than 1-5 cms |
Medium fibroid | 5cms -10cms |
Large fibroid | 10cms or more |
Also Read: Understanding Ovarian Cyst Removal: How Soon Can You Get Pregnant After The Procedure?
What are the various types of uterus fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are noncancerous growths of uterine muscle tissue.
Fibroids are classified into four types:
- Intramural Fibroids – The most common type of fibroids that grow in the uterine wall.
- Subserosal fibroids – Develop on the uterine wall’s outside. Because of their size, they can put pressure on nearby organs or cause pain.
- Submucosal fibroids – Develop just beneath the uterine lining and can crowd into the uterine cavity, causing heavy bleeding as well as other more serious complications. This is the most uncommon type of fibroid.
- Pedunculated fibroids – Form small stalks or stems and can develop either outside or inside the uterus.
When should you consider surgical removal of uterine fibroid?
- Women with large or symptomatic fibroids may require an imaging study to determine whether the uterine fibroid needs to be removed. The risk of not seeking treatment is that fibroids can grow to a size that causes significant symptoms and necessitates removal. Larger fibroids, as well as those that continue to grow, may cause complications.
- Submucosal Fibroids that are large enough to misshape the uterine lining can be considered as uterine fibroid size for surgery. They grow on the inside of the uterus and should be removed to prevent reproductive problems. If fibroids are larger than the size of a 12- to 14-week pregnancy (the size of a large grapefruit), the chances of complications during surgery, such as ureter or bladder injury, increase.
- Even if they aren’t causing symptoms, very large fibroids can degenerate or burst if left untreated. Degeneration happens when a growing fibroid outgrows its blood supply, causing the fibroid’s cells to die. This usually results in severe pain and tenderness.
- When fibroids reach the size of 4 to 6 inches, in rare cases can cause deadly blood clots in the lungs.
- Rapidly growing large fibroids may indicate a rare cancerous type of fibroid known as leiomyosarcoma. Ultrasound, MRI, and other imaging studies cannot distinguish this type of tumor from a non-cancerous or benign fibroid. This type of fibroid, however, accounts for less than 1% of all uterine fibroids, and these cancerous tumors are not thought to develop from a benign fibroid.
Do severe symptoms indicate the presence of large uterine fibroids?
Acute and chronic symptoms can also point out if or not you have uterine fibroids that are too large:
Following could be some of the symptoms:
- Menstruation that lasts longer every month
- Pain during intercourse
- Extreme abdominal discomfort
- Issues with bladder emptying
- Frequent urination
- Pressure in the pelvis
- Constipation
- Backache or leg pain
- Severe pain in the naval area
Do large uterine fibroids cause weight gain?
The majority of women who have uterine fibroids have an enlarged uterus. In fact, doctors describe fibroids and their effect on a woman’s uterus in the same way they would describe a pregnancy, such as a 14-week-sized fibroid uterus. A fibroid-affected uterus can easily grow to the size of a four- to five-month pregnancy.
A fibroid is considered giant if it weighs more than 25 pounds. The world’s largest fibroid weighed a record 140 pounds. That’s like carrying another person’s weight around with you!
The positive part is that after any fibroids are removed, your uterus should return to its original size, and you will no longer experience the bloating that is common with fibroids.
So, which size of uterus fibroid is perilous? Fibroids that are 4cm or larger in size and grow inside the uterine muscles can contort their shape and block fallopian tubes. If they grow outside the uterus, they may reach the pleura (the lining of the chest), pressurize it, and cause pain. Large fibroids also pose a risk of causing bleeding while dying due to a lack of blood supply. They also cause pregnancy complications. |
What can be the possible treatment options for uterine fibroids?
There are several options for uterine fibroid treatment:
Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE)- It involves injecting tiny particles the size of sugar crystals into the blood vessels that lead to the uterus. The particles prevent blood from flowing to the fibroid, causing it to shrink and die. It is a minimally invasive procedure and does not require open surgery. It provides symptom relief with fewer risks, less pain, and a faster recovery.
Ultrasound waves – These are used in magnetic resonance imaging-guided (MRI) ultrasound surgery to destroy fibroids. Magnetic resonance imaging is used to direct waves at the fibroids through the skin.
Endometrial ablation – This procedure is best suited for small fibroids with a diameter of less than 3 centimeters.
Also Read: Laparoscopic Myomectomy – Uterine Fibroids symptoms and treatment
Surgical Options
Hysterectomy – The process involves surgical removal of the uterus. However, post this procedure; you will not be able to conceive a baby as the fibroids are removed along with the uterus.
Myomectomy – This is another surgical option for removing all types of fibroids. It can be performed using one of three methods: hysteroscopy, laparotomy, or laparoscopy.
Consult Dr. Mustafa Aldam for a precise treatment line for all your uterine fibroid issues
If you are in search of a qualified, experienced, and dependable uterine fibroid specialist, Dr. Mustafa Aldam is a name you can trust. His meticulous treatment plans have been proven time and again to be successful in dealing with even the most complex cases. He also offers personalized advice and makes sure that all his patients feel comfortable throughout their entire journey at his clinic.
Schedule your appointment and discuss to receive the best possible treatment available.