Fibroma (patient information)
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: ; Maneesha Nandimandalam, M.B.B.S.[2]
Overview
Ovaries are reproductive glands only in women. Its functions are to produce ova for reproduction and maintain the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Sexcord/ stromal ovarian tumors doesn't have any early symptoms. With the development of the cancer, frequent symptoms include heavy feeling in pelvis, pain in lower abdomen, bleeding from the vagina, weight loss and abnormal periods. Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or a combination of them.
What are the Symptoms of Fibroma ?
Some women with fibroids have no symptoms, or have only mild symptoms, while other women have more severe, debilitating symptoms. Common symptoms for uterine fibroids include:
- Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
- Abnormal bleeding between menstrual periods
- Pelvic pain
- Frequent urination
- Low back pain
- Pain during intercourse
- Infertility
Other health problems may also cause these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell for sure. A person with any of these symptoms should tell the doctor so that the problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.
What Causes ?
The exact cause of these tumors is unknown. Mutations in FOXL2, DICER1, STK11 are involved
Who is at Highest Risk?
Clinical data has suggested that the development of fibromas is related to several factors. It is estimated that up to 70 percent of women develop uterine fibroids. They are usually found in women in their 30s and 40s and typically shrink in size after menopause. Fibroids are two to five times more common in African American women than Caucasian women. Ovarian fibromas are rare and are typically found in women in their 50s during perimenopause (transition to menopause) or postmenopause.
Diagnosis
- Ultrasonography: This is an painless test which uses sound waves to create a picture of the internal organs. Because tumors generate different echoes of sound waves than normal tissue, the doctor can locate a mass inside the body.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan and biopsy: CT scans are often used to diagnose ovarian cancer. It can confirm the location of the cancer and show the organs near the ovaries, as well as lymph nodes and distant organs where the cancer might have spread. These are helpful for determining the stage of the cancer and in determining whether surgery is a good treatment option. CT scans can also be used to guide biopsy and a biopsy sample is usually removed and looked at under a microscope.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI uses magnetic fields but it is a different type of image than what is produced by computed tomography (CT) and produces detailed images of the body. Like computed tomography (CT), a contrast agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture.
- Positron emission tomography (PET) scan: When doing this test, a small amount of a radioactive medium is injected into your body and absorbed by the organs or tissues. This radioactive substance gives off energy which in turn is used to produce the images. PET can provide more helpful information than either CT or MRI scans. It is useful to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and it is also useful for your doctor to locate where the cancer has spread
- Chest X-ray: This plain x-ray of your chest may be done to see if the cancer has spread to your lungs.
- Whole Bone Scan: The goal of a whole body bone scan is to show if a cancer has metastasized to your bones.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Care?
Call your health care provider if symptoms of fibroma develop. If you experience either of the following symptoms, seeking urgent medical care as soon as possible:
How are fibromas treated?
Treatment depends on fibroid size, symptoms, and other factors. Asymptomatic fibroids may not require treatment. Myomectomy (surgical removal of a uterine fibroid) may be performed to remove fibroids that interfere with fertility in women who want to become pregnant. Hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus) also is commonly performed for patients with debilitating symptoms of uterine fibroids, but it is not an option for women who are planning future pregnancies. Non-surgical uterine fibroid treatments include medications, uterine artery embolization, and focused ultrasound treatment.
Where to find Medical Care for fibromas?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Ovarian cancer
Prevention
Although the reasons for the development of ovarian cancer are not clear, epidemic data shows the following intervention may help to reduce your risk of ovarian cancer:
- Oral contraceptives
- Gynecologic surgery
- Genetic counseling, genetic testing may be prevention strategies for women with a family history of ovarian cancer.
What to Expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The prognosis of fibroma depends on the following: