Can uterine fibroids be inherited?

Written by Wang Kun
Surgical Oncology
Updated on October 25, 2024
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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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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is uterine fibroid surgery performed?

When a woman has uterine fibroids, the surgical method should be decided based on the specific location, size, number of fibroids, age, and fertility requirements. If the uterine fibroid is relatively large, pretreatment can typically be carried out before the surgery. For example, using GNRHA-type drugs can reduce the size of uterine fibroids and lower the risk of surgery. Submucosal fibroids can be treated with hysteroscopic electroresection. Intramural or subserosal fibroids can be removed via laparoscopic surgery.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How long does uterine fibroid surgery take?

Firstly, there are several types of surgeries for uterine fibroids, so the duration of the surgery depends on the size of the fibroids, the surgical method, and the type of anesthesia used. If the surgery is an open surgery for simply removing benign uterine fibroids, the operation, including the time for anesthesia, generally takes about two hours, which is not very long. If the surgery is done laparoscopically under general anesthesia, it may take a longer time, and it takes some time for the patient to recover from anesthesia post-surgery. If the uterine tumor is malignant, then the surgery might require rapid pathological examination and the removal of other areas, leading to a more extended surgery time which can vary significantly.

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Written by Wang Jing Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How often should uterine fibroids be checked?

The follow-up timing after uterine fibroids depends on the current size of the fibroids and the symptoms. If the fibroids are particularly small and there are no symptoms, a follow-up after one year is generally acceptable. However, if during the follow-up the fibroids are found to have grown quickly, or if there are symptoms such as increased menstrual flow or a shortened cycle, a follow-up every six months may be warranted. Most uterine fibroids do not cause any symptoms and simply exist; they tend to grow gradually with age and generally shrink and disappear after menopause.

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Written by Yan Qiao
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Post-surgical diet for uterine fibroids

Before passing gas after a myomectomy, we must avoid foods that produce gas, such as milk and soy milk, and only consume small amounts of water and clear soup. Once the patient has passed gas, they can be advised to eat easily digestible foods, such as congee and noodles. After the patient has had a bowel movement, they can resume a normal diet, but it should be light and avoid irritating foods, such as those high in oil, salt, and spices, as well as some stimulating beverages. After discharge, it is recommended that the patient eat more vegetables and high-fiber fruits, and avoid gas-producing foods, which typically include legumes, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and so on.

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Written by Huang Shuai
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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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.