Fibroid Cancer Symptoms

Definition of Fibroid Cancer:

What Fibroids Are:

Fibroids are growths that affect the uterus. Fibroids are also known as uterine Fibroids.

According to the American Department of Health, around 20% to 80% of women have them by the age of 50 years. They often appear during the childbearing years. Fibroids range in size from seedlings, not visible to the human eye, to bulky masses that can enlarge the uterus. You can have a single or multiple Fibroids. 

What is Fibroid Cancer?

Fibroids are almost always benign (not cancerous). Less than one in 1,000 Fibroids become cancerous. This is called Fibroid Cancer. There are certain factors that increase the chance that your fibroid is cancerous. The most important seems to be age. 

Causes of Fibroid Cancer:

There is debate about what causes fibroids. A couple of different factors may influence their formation and the onset of fibroid cancer:

Family history: Fibroids may run in the family. If the women in your family have a history of this condition, you may develop it as well.

Age: Women who are more than 30 years of age are at greater risk of developing cancerous Fibroids than younger ones. 

Weight: Being overweight can cause the growth of uterine Fibroids. The excess weight can cause the Fibroids to become cancerous.

Symptoms of Fibroid Cancer:

Many women who have Fibroids don’t have any symptoms. In those that do, symptoms can be influenced by the location, size, and number of Fibroids.

Symptoms of Non-Cancerous Uterine Fibroids:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Menstrual periods lasting more than a week
• Pain and pressure in the pelvis and lower back
• Constipation

Symptoms of Cancerous Fibroid:

• Stomach pain
• Post-menopausal bleeding
• Anemia from heavy bleeding resulting in fatigue
• Unusual findings from blood tests
• Pressure or fullness in the abdomen
• Vaginal discharge

When to See a Doctor:

See your doctor if you have:

Pelvic pain that doesn’t go away

Many women who have cancerous Fibroids have pain in the pelvis or the abdomen and/or a mass (lump) that can be felt. These are signs that the Fibroids are not benign but cancerous.

Overly heavy, prolonged, or painful periods

This symptom is not often evidence of cancer it is still important to have any abnormal bleeding checked right away because there is a slight chance that it might be due to cancer.

Problems with urine and bowel movements.

A mass in the pelvis might push on the bladder which can cause you to urinate (pee) more often than usual. It might also disturb the bowels and cause constipation.

If you are suffering from one or more of these symptoms you may have fibroid cancer. If so, you must see a doctor.

Conclusion:

Most uterine fibroids are not cancerous, nor do they cause symptoms that need professional attention. But some do become cancerous. This cancer can be fatal. 

At Chennai Gynecologist you will find many gynecologists who have several years of experience in treating this and other uterine diseases. Therefore, if you come to us, you can rest assured that you will get the best possible treatment.