Are Uterine Fibroids Cancerous?

What Are Uterine Fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are growths that occur inside and around the uterus. They are made of muscle and fibrous tissue and are known as leiomyomas or myomas. These fibroids may range from very small, barely visible growths to large ones that can enlarge the uterus.

Fibroids may occur in various areas of the uterus, and they can be classified into the following types:

• Intramural fibroids: Found in the wall of the uterus
• Subserosal fibroids: Found on the outside of the uterus
• Submucosal fibroids: Found just below the lining of the uterus
• Pedunculated fibroids: Found on a stalk that is attached to the uterus.

Some women may have just one fibroid, while others may have several. In some women, fibroids may not cause symptoms and may be found during routine pelvic examinations and tests.

Are Uterine Fibroids Cancerous?

The simple answer is no, uterine fibroids are rarely cancerous. They are benign growths and are not considered cancerous. There is a rare form of cancer that can occur in the muscle of the uterus, known as uterine leiomyosarcoma. This is a very rare form of cancer and occurs in around 0.64 cases per 100,000 women.

A woman must understand that:

• Fibroids are not usually cancerous.
• Leiomyosarcoma is a cancer that develops by itself and is not related to fibroids in any way.
• Fibroids are usually benign growths throughout a woman’s lifetime.

Since a lot of symptoms of fibroids and uterine cancer are very similar, tests may be required to verify the diagnosis and then rule out cancer.

Difference Between Uterine Fibroids and Uterine Cancer

Although both uterine fibroids and uterine cancer involve the uterus, these two conditions are very different from each other and have different impacts on the individual’s overall health and well-being. Let us discuss each of them in detail.

• Fibroids

  These are generally benign or non-cancerous growths in the uterus. The growth of fibroids is usually slow, and they are commonly observed in women who are of reproductive age. Fibroids tend to have more visible symptoms in patients.

• Uterine cancer

  These are cancerous growths. They generally grow quickly and may spread to adjacent tissues in the body. Uterine cancer is more commonly seen in women who have already gone through menopause. It also tends to cause symptoms.

Doctors use various techniques, including imaging studies and sometimes biopsies, to distinguish between benign and cancerous growths in patients with fibroids.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

The actual cause of uterine fibroids has not yet been discovered; research on this topic is still in process. However, there are a few factors which have been considered to cause fibroids in women.

• Hormones

  The hormones estrogen & progesterone play a significant role in the formation and growth of fibroids. These hormones cause the lining in the uterus to build up every month during a woman’s menstrual period. These hormones may also cause fibroids to build up and grow.

• Genetic Factors

  Fibroids tend to run in families. Therefore, if a woman’s mother or sister has fibroids, she may be at a higher risk of developing them too.

• Lifestyle and Environmental Factors

  A variety of lifestyle and environment-related factors can increase the risk of uterine conditions like fibroids. Obesity, poor eating habits, an unbalanced diet and a lack of exercise or movement of the body may also increase the chances of fibroids.

Who Is at Risk of Developing Fibroids?

Although any woman can develop uterine fibroids, some women might be at a greater risk for developing them.

Some of the key risk factors for developing fibroids include:

• Age: Fibroids are often the most common between the ages of 30 and 50.
• Family history: If there is a family history of uterine fibroids, the risk is greater.
• Hormonal imbalance: High estrogen levels in the body may cause them.
• Obesity: Excess weight may cause hormonal imbalances, resulting in fibroids.
• Early menstruation: If menstruation begins at a young age, the risk increases.

If uterine fibroids are commonly occurring in your family, early screening and caution are necessary to prevent the condition itself in the very first place.

What Are the Symptoms of Uterine Fibroids?

The symptoms and their severity are subjective and can vary greatly from woman to woman. In fact, most women who have fibroids complain of absolutely no symptoms at all. However, if symptoms are present, they may include the following:

• Heavier or longer menstrual periods
• Pelvic pain or pressure
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Pain during intercourse
• Lower back pain
• Abdominal swelling

Large fibroids can put pressure on other organs, thereby causing more adverse symptoms and increased discomfort in patients.

Can Fibroids Turn Into Cancer?

One of the biggest worries for women is whether the fibroids are likely to turn cancerous. Fortunately, the chances are extremely low. Research indicates that fewer than 1% of the tumours are cancerous. Most fibroids are benign and unlikely to become cancerous. However, doctors may want to carry out further tests if the following signs are observed:

• Rapid development of a fibroid
• Severe pain in the pelvic region
• Bleeding after menopause

Unusual symptoms are not characteristic of fibroids. In such cases, additional testing may be recommended to identify and thereby rule out the condition.

How Are Uterine Fibroids Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of fibroids is usually made during routine gynaecological examinations. Further tests are conducted if there is suspicion of fibroids.

These include, but are not limited to:

• Pelvic Examination

  Irregularities in the shape of the uterus or any unusual growths are detected by doctors during a physical examination of the pelvic area.

• Ultrasound

  An ultrasound is considered the most commonly used technique for detecting fibroids.

• MRI Scan

  Magnetic Resonance Imaging also helps doctors get a clear picture of the uterus and locate the exact position and size of the fibroids.

• Hysteroscopy

  Doctors may use a camera to look inside the uterus in some cases of fibroids.

These methods help doctors determine whether the tumour is benign or cancerous. After a precise diagnosis of the fibroids, the doctor would therefore suggest the treatment plan and the preferred option as per the condition.

What Are the Treatment Options for Fibroids?

The treatment for uterine fibroids depends on various factors, including symptoms, fibroid size, age, and reproductive goals. In some instances, if the fibroids are small and do not cause symptoms, watchful waiting is recommended.

Some common treatment options include:

• Medications: Medications are used to regulate the menstrual cycle and relieve symptoms associated with fibroids.

• Minimally Invasive Procedures: In these procedures, fibroid size is reduced without surgery using minimally invasive techniques.

• Surgical Options: In cases where a patient's symptoms are severe, surgical procedures are recommended. These surgical procedures include:
  • Myomectomy: Fibroids are removed without removing the uterus.
  • Hysterectomy: The uterus is removed.

The choice of treatment depends on the patient’s health condition, fertility goals, and personal preferences.

Can Fibroids Affect Fertility or Pregnancy?

At times, fibroids may interfere with fertility. This is particularly true if fibroids develop within the uterine cavity. For instance, submucosal fibroids may interfere with embryo implantation.

Possible fertility-related complications:

• Difficulty conceiving
• Increased risk of miscarriage
• Complications during pregnancy
• Preterm labor

However, many women with fibroids can conceive and deliver healthy babies. With proper medical management, the outcome is greatly improved.