Uterine myomatosis is the appearance of solid-looking tumors in the uterus, considered among the most common in women of childbearing age. These are benign, which means that they do not represent a risk of turning into cancer but they can cause other types of complications. On this occasion, Dr. José Luis Mercado, a gynecologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, will give us more information.

Causes

The appearance of these fibroids or uterine tumors is related to genetic, hormonal and/or hereditary factors.

Types of fibroids

Fibroids are classified according to the area of the uterus where they are located. There are four types:

• Intramural: Located in the muscular wall of the uterus; they do not affect fertility; they can cause pain or deformity.
• Submucosal: Located under the uterine lining; can affect the implantation of the embryo in the uterus.
• Subserosal: They are found under the outer covering of the uterus; They can cause pain and compression of adnexal organs as well as intramural ones.
• Pediculated: They grow attached by a stem to the uterus; They can cause severe pain.

Symptoms

Although most of the time they do not produce symptoms, the appearance of these tumors is related to:

• Pain
• Abnormal bleeding
• Menstrual Irregularity
• Complications during pregnancy
• Infertility
• Compression symptoms

Diagnosis

This consists of:

• The clinical report of the patient
• Physical examination by specialist
• Auxiliary tests, such as ultrasound, hysteroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging

Treatment

The treatment may vary depending on the case that is presented. This can be:

• Medical treatment with drugs that block hormone production
• Surgical treatment, which ranges from the removal of the fibroid and can reach the removal of the uterus in its entirety.

It is very important to have an annual gynecological check-up that includes a Pap smear and a transvaginal ultrasound, in this way any anomaly can be detected in a timely manner.

Dr. José Luis Mercado
Gynecologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma