Early symptoms of uterine fibroid malignancy

Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on September 05, 2024
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Uterine fibroids are a type of benign lesion and generally grow slowly. Sometimes, even after several years of continuous re-examinations, the size of the uterine fibroids may not show significant changes. However, when uterine fibroids become malignant, their growth rate can accelerate, causing women to experience hidden pain in the lower abdomen. After the malignancy of uterine fibroids and an increase in size, they can also compress the pelvic floor nerves, leading to an intensification of abdominal pain; they can press forward against the bladder, causing frequent urination and urgency; and press backward against the rectum, resulting in changes in the characteristics of stools. Additionally, when some women's uterine fibroids turn malignant, they can also affect the surface area of the endometrium, impacting the menstrual cycle, such as causing irregular vaginal bleeding.

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Can uterine fibroids be inherited?

Uterine fibroids are common benign tumors clinically, with a prevalence rate of 20%-40% among women, approximately 20% of which are hereditary. Most tumors do not show clear clinical symptoms, so patients need not worry too much even after the tumors develop. However, some patients may experience increased menstrual flow, prolonged menstrual cycles, or even symptoms such as anemia, abdominal pain, and bloating. In such cases, surgical removal may be considered, which is a routine procedure in clinical settings, so patients should not be overly concerned.

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Can uterine fibroids eat donkey-hide gelatin?

Patients with uterine fibroids can consume donkey-hide gelatin. This is because uterine fibroids often cause increased menstrual flow and prolonged menstrual periods. Due to the long-term increase in menstrual volume and duration, there is an increase in blood loss, leading to anemia. The main functions of donkey-hide gelatin are to nourish the blood, moisten dryness, and stop bleeding, making it suitable for patients with uterine fibroids. Consuming donkey-hide gelatin can alleviate the anemia and excessive menstrual bleeding caused by uterine fibroids. However, donkey-hide gelatin is relatively heaty, so it should not be consumed in excess.

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Are uterine fibroids contagious?

The exact causes of uterine fibroids are not yet clear, but since fibroids commonly occur during reproductive years, are rarely seen before puberty, and tend to shrink or regress after menopause, it suggests that the occurrence of fibroids may be related to female hormones. Studies have shown that uterine fibroid tissues are highly sensitive to estrogen, which is one of the important factors in the development of fibroids. Additionally, research indicates that progesterone promotes mitotic activity in fibroids, stimulating the growth of uterine fibroids. Cytogenetic studies show that some uterine fibroids have chromosomal abnormalities. Based on these studies, it is evident that uterine fibroids are not contagious.

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How big a uterine fibroid can be without requiring treatment?

The size of uterine fibroids is one of the indicators we consider for whether treatment and surgery are necessary. It is generally believed that surgery is indicated when the diameter of a fibroid exceeds 6cm, or when the entire uterus is larger than the size it would be at ten weeks of pregnancy. However, in reality, the size of a uterine fibroid is not an absolute indicator for surgery. This means that even if the fibroid exceeds 6cm, or the entire uterus reaches around ten weeks in size, it doesn’t necessarily require surgery. At this point, other factors are usually also considered, such as whether there are symptoms, whether the large fibroids cause heavy menstruation and anemia, whether there are compression symptoms, the radiological appearance of the fibroids, whether they resemble malignant conditions, whether the fibroids are rapidly growing, and whether the fibroids are located in special areas like the cervix, the hip ligament, or submucosal. Thus, the size of the uterine fibroids is just one aspect we consider for treatment or surgery; the presence of symptoms and whether the fibroids are malignant, among others, are actually more important.

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What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

If the uterine fibroids are relatively small, they generally do not show symptoms. However, submucosal uterine fibroids, regardless of their size, can cause heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged periods. Intramural uterine fibroids, if protruding into the uterine cavity, can also lead to heavy menstrual bleeding and prolonged periods. If the uterine fibroids are large and press against the bladder in front, symptoms such as frequent urination and urinary urgency can occur. If they press against the rectum in the back, it can lead to difficulty in defecation or a feeling of downward pain. Therefore, if symptoms are present with uterine fibroids, surgical treatment is necessary.