- MEDICINE ATHENS MED4WOMAN ATHENS
- MEDICINE VOLOS MED4WOMAN VOLOS
Obstetrician - Gynaecologist
Doctor of Medicine, University of Athens Medical School
Panagiotis Polyzos, Gynaecologist Obstetrician, is active at the Institute of Life - IVF Unit of Iaso Maternity Hospital.
Uterine fibroids are benign tumors (growths) made up of muscle tissue from the uterus, also known as leiomyomas or myomas. They vary in size, shape, and location, and may be found inside the uterine cavity, within the uterine wall, or on its outer surface.
Subserosal fibroids develop on the outer surface of the uterus, known as the serosal layer. They can grow quite large and cause the uterus to appear irregularly shaped.
Subserosal fibroids develop on the outer surface of the uterus, known as the serosal layer. They can grow quite large and cause the uterus to appear irregularly shaped.
Submucosal fibroids protrude partially or completely into the uterine cavity, often distorting its shape. They are the least common type, but can cause infertility and abnormal uterine bleeding, which is their primary symptom.
Subserosal fibroids sometimes develop a thin stalk-like base (peduncle) that supports the fibroid. When this occurs, they are referred to as pedunculated fibroids.
Symptoms vary depending on the number, size, and location of the fibroids. Common symptoms include:
In most cases, fibroids are diagnosed during a routine gynecological examination. A pelvic ultrasound or other imaging methods, such as CT or MRI, can confirm the diagnosis and help differentiate fibroids from other conditions with similar symptoms.
Dr. gynecologist will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the patient’s age, reproductive goals, fibroid size, and overall health condition..
GnRH agonists (e.g., leuprolide) lower estrogen and progesterone levels, which halt menstruation and shrink fibroids.
GnRH antagonists (e.g., ganirelix and cetrorelix) also reduce fibroid size by blocking FSH and LH production.
Fibroid size can influence pregnancy outcomes. In about 7 out of 10 cases, the size remains unchanged during pregnancy, but in around 3 out of 10, fibroids may increase in volume.
Fortunately, in most cases, uterine fibroids do not affect pregnancy, and complications are uncommon.
Removal of the uterus is the treatment of choice for symptomatic women of older age who have already completed their family. It can be performed through abdominal, vaginal, or laparoscopic hysterectomy.
For women who wish to preserve fertility, the fibroids can be surgically removed while retaining the uterus. This can be done through open surgery (abdominal incision), laparoscopy, or hysteroscopy (for submucosal fibroids).
Microscopic particles (the size of a grain of sand) are injected into the blood vessels supplying the uterus, cutting off blood flow to the fibroid and causing it to shrink.
High-intensity ultrasound waves are focused on the fibroids through the skin under MRI guidance. Studies show that symptoms significantly improve for up to one year after treatment.
Fibroid size can influence pregnancy outcomes. In about 7 out of 10 cases, the size remains unchanged during pregnancy, but in around 3 out of 10, fibroids may increase in volume.
Fortunately, in most cases, uterine fibroids do not affect pregnancy, and complications are uncommon.
Fibroids are usually removed via laparoscopic or open surgery. In some cases, a total hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be performed. Generally, complications are rare, but they can depend on the individual case. For this reason, it’s essential to consult your gynecologist to determine the best approach.
In most cases, it is preferable to remove fibroids at a younger age, especially in women who wish to preserve their uterus. Hysterectomy is more suitable for women who have completed childbearing or are not interested in pregnancy, as it is the only way to eliminate the risk of recurrence.
While surgery is often recommended at a younger age, it can still be safely performed later in life when necessary.
The cost is determined after consultation with your gynecologist and varies depending on the treatment method chosen for each case.
