The uterus and it's abnormalities Flashcards
What are fibroids?
Benign tumours of the myometrium.
What age are fibroids most common?
More common near the menopause
In what race are fibroids more common?
Afro-caribbean
What contraceptives decrease your risk of fibroids?
The combined oral contraceptive and injectable progestogens
What are the different sites of fibroids?
They can be intramural, subserosal or submucosal
What type of fibroid can occasionally form intracavity polyps?
Submucosal fibroids
What tissue is used to form fibroids?
Smooth muscle and fibrous elements are present, and in transverse section the fibroid has a ‘whorled’ appearance.
What happens to fibroids during pregnancy?
They are equally likely to grow, shrink or have no change
What happens to fibroids after menopause?
They regress due to the reduction in circulating oestrogen.
Is it more likely that site or size of fibroids affects symptoms?
Site not size
What are the symptoms of fibroids?
50% are asymptomatic but menstrual problems, pain (unusual), bladder and fertility symptoms
What type of fibroids cause intermenstrual bleeding?
Submucosal or polypoid
When would fibroids cause pain?
They seldom cause pain, unless torsion, red degeneration or, rarely, sarcomatous change occur.
When would fibroids affect fertility?
Fertility can be impaired if the tubal ostia are blocked or submucosal fibroids prevent implantation. Intramural fibroids not distorting the cavity also reduce fertility through the mechanism is unclear.
What often happens to fibroids after menopause?
Fibroids stop growing and often calcify after the menopause, although the oestrogen in HRT may stimulate further growth.
Why does fibroid degeneration take place?
It is normally the result of an inadequate blood supply
What are the symptoms of fibroid ‘red degeneration’?
It is characterised by pain and uterine tenderness; haemorrhage and necrosis occur.
What physiological thing increases the risk of red degeneration?
Red degeneration is common in pregnancy.
Should fibroids be cut out at caesarean section?
No, bleeding can be heavy
Can fibroid secrete anything, if so, what?
Yes, they can secrete erythropoietin, which can raise Hb levels
How do you treat fibroids?
Small ones - no treatment
Medium or large ones - removal
Not removed - monitored