When a woman is diagnosed with uterine fibroids, it is understandable that she may feel fear or anxiety, given the very definition of what fibroids are.
After all, the word “tumor” carries with it a heavy weight.
Thankfully, the vast majority of women will not need to worry about cancer as it relates to their uterine fibroids. Allow us to explain why:
Fibroids and Cancer
“Uterine fibroids are an extremely common condition in which solid tumors develop in the uterus,” John Hopkins Medicine confirms. “In more than 99% of fibroid cases, the tumors are not cancerous.”
In the rare event that a uterine fibroid is cancerous, however, it is called leiomyosarcoma, or “uterine sarcomas.” That being said, according to the National Uterine Fibroid Foundation (NUFF), “less than 1% of gynecologic malignancies are uterine sarcomas.”
Additionally, existing fibroids will not impact a woman’s likelihood that she will develop uterine cancer.
“Having fibroids does not increase the risk of developing a cancerous fibroid,” the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services explains. “Having fibroids also does not increase a woman’s chances of getting other forms of cancer in the uterus.”
Fibroid Solutions
Though uterine fibroids are seldom cancerous, they do still create an obstacle in some women’s day-to-day lives. Frequent pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding, for example, are two of the most common fibroid-related symptoms.
Thankfully, a variety of treatments are out there for women to choose from. Please note, however, that most of these methods treat symptoms and do not “cure” a patient of her fibroids.
“Medications for uterine fibroids target hormones that regulate your menstrual cycle, treating symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure,” according to Mayo Clinic. “They don’t eliminate fibroids, but may shrink them.”
Other common uterine fibroid treatments include:
- Hormone therapy
- Myomectomy
- Hysterectomy
- And more
Calling DFC
While many treatments can make fibroids manageable, you shouldn’t have to live with the recurring pain or discomfort, nor should you feel pressured to undergo an invasive procedure.
That’s why, here at Duval Vascular & Fibroid Center, we offer individualized care within a comfortable, state-of-the-art outpatient setting!
Specifically, we offer uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which is not only minimally invasive but…
- Is FDA-approved
- Can be completed within one hour
- Requires little downtime compared to other procedures
- And more!
Remember: Your relief shouldn’t just be emotional. It should also be physical, and we can help. Reach out to Duval Vascular & Fibroid Center today by calling 904-423-6017 to learn more and schedule your first appointment!
