Calcified fibroids are benign tumors made up of muscle and connective tissue that grow in the uterus. Although they’re usually harmless, some calcified fibroids can cause pain, heavy bleeding during periods, difficulty getting pregnant, and other symptoms. To diagnose and treat them, your doctor may use medication, pelvic exams, ultrasounds, or surgery.
Let’s find out more about Calcified fibroids, their causes, symptoms, and treatment.
What are Calcified Fibroids?
Calcified fibroids are benign tumors that grow in the uterus. They’re made up of muscle and connective tissues and most often cause no problems. However, some calcified fibroids can lead to heavy bleeding during periods, pelvic pain, menstrual cramps, difficulty getting pregnant, and other issues. Calcified fibroids may or may not need to be treated depending on their size and symptoms.
What Causes Calcified Fibroids?
It’s not clear what causes calcified fibroids, but research suggests that estrogen and progesterone—the hormones present in increasing levels during the reproductive years—may play a role. Changes in estrogen, progesterone or another hormone called relaxin during pregnancy may also stimulate the growth of fibroids. Calcification occurs when calcium salts build up on existing tissue deposits.
Here are some most common causes of calcified fibroids:
- Overgrowth of smooth muscle cells in the uterus
- Genetic factors
- Hormonal factors
- Age
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Diet high in red meat and low in fruits and vegetables
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Calcified Fibroids?
The signs and symptoms of calcified fibroids vary, depending largely on the exact location of the fibroid and its size. Symptoms may range from mild to severe, and they can include pelvic pain, heavy or consistent menstrual bleeding, overall discomfort in the lower abdomen, and back pain. In some cases, a calcified fibroid can also cause feelings of fullness in the uterus or difficulty in opening the bowels.
The signs and symptoms of calcified fibroids can vary, but may include:
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, such as heavy periods or bleeding between periods
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Difficulty emptying the bladder or rectum
- Back pain
- Infertility or recurrent miscarriage (in rare cases)
It’s important to note that some women with calcified fibroids may not experience any symptoms, and the condition may only be discovered during a routine gynecological exam or imaging test.
How Are Calcified Fibroids Diagnosed?
Calcified fibroids can be diagnosed using several methods, such as ultrasound, x-ray, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An ultrasound allows your doctor to see the exact size and location of the calcified fibroid.
An x-ray may be used in some cases to check for calcium deposits by scanning the uterus for calcium buildup. An MRI is also a very useful technique when diagnosing calcifications in fibroids and other tissues.
By combining these diagnostic tools, doctors are able to determine if a patient has calcified fibroids accurately and efficiently.
- Pelvic exam: A doctor may be able to feel the presence of fibroids during a pelvic exam.
- Imaging tests: Ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans can provide detailed images of the uterus and any fibroids present.
- Hysteroscopy: A thin, lighted scope is inserted through the vagina and cervix to view the inside of the uterus.
- Biopsy: A small sample of tissue from the uterus is examined under a microscope to check for the presence of cancer or other abnormal cells.
It’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as abnormal bleeding or pelvic pain, as these could indicate the presence of calcified fibroids or other gynecological conditions.
Fibroid Risk Factors
Calcified fibroids share similar risk factors with other types of uterine fibroids. These risk factors may include:
- Age: Calcified fibroids are more common in women between the ages of 30 and 50.
- Family history: Women with a family history of fibroids are at higher risk of developing them, including calcified fibroids.
- Ethnicity: Calcified fibroids are more common in women of African descent than in women of other ethnicities.
- Hormonal factors: Like other types of fibroids, calcified fibroids are influenced by hormonal factors, such as estrogen and progesterone.
- Obesity: Being overweight or obese may increase the risk of calcified fibroids.
It’s important to note that while these factors may increase the risk of developing calcified fibroids, the exact cause of this condition is not fully understood.
What Treatments are Available For Calcified Fibroids?
Calcified fibroids are typically treated with a combination of pain medications, hormonal treatments, and surgery. In some cases, the fibroids can be removed using laparoscopic techniques with minimal disruption to the patient’s body.
If the size or position of the fibroid makes it difficult to remove, then open surgical techniques may be necessary. Hormone therapy is another option for calcified fibroids, as it can slow down or even stop their growth.
The treatment for calcified fibroids may depend on the size, number, and location of the fibroids, as well as the severity of symptoms. Some possible treatments include:
- Watchful waiting: If the fibroids are small and not causing any symptoms, a doctor may recommend monitoring them over time.
- Medications: Hormonal medications such as birth control pills or GnRH agonists can help shrink the fibroids and alleviate symptoms.
- Surgery: Various surgical options, such as myomectomy, hysterectomy, or uterine fibroid embolization, can remove the fibroids or reduce their size.
- MRI-guided focused ultrasound: This noninvasive procedure uses high-intensity sound waves to destroy the fibroids.
The choice of treatment will depend on the individual case, and a healthcare provider can help guide the decision-making process. It’s important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of each treatment option with a doctor.
Summary
Calcified fibroids are a type of benign uterine growth that forms when there is an overgrowth of smooth muscle cells in the uterus. While the exact causes of calcified fibroids are not fully understood, they are believed to be influenced by genetic and hormonal factors.
Common risk factors for calcified fibroids include age, family history, ethnicity, hormonal factors, and obesity. Symptoms may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and difficulty emptying the bladder or rectum.
Treatment options may include watchful waiting, medication, surgery, or non-invasive procedures such as MRI-guided focused ultrasound, and the choice of treatment will depend on the individual case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Calcified Fibroids:
Q1. Are calcified fibroids cancerous?
A1. Calcified fibroids are not cancerous, but they may cause symptoms and can affect a woman’s quality of life.
Q2. Can calcified fibroids affect fertility?
A2. In rare cases, calcified fibroids may affect fertility or increase the risk of miscarriage, depending on their location and size.
Q3. Are calcified fibroids common?
A3. Calcified fibroids are relatively uncommon, but they are more likely to occur in women who have previously had fibroids or other types of uterine growth.
Q4. Can calcified fibroids cause complications?
A4. While calcified fibroids are not cancerous and are generally considered benign, they can cause complications if they grow large or if they cause symptoms such as heavy bleeding, pain, or pressure on nearby organs.
Q5. How can calcified fibroids be prevented?
A5. There is no known way to prevent calcified fibroids, but there are some lifestyle changes that may help reduce the risk of developing fibroids in general, such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and reducing alcohol consumption.
Q6. Can calcified fibroids be life-threatening?
A6. Calcified fibroids are generally not life-threatening, but in rare cases, they can cause complications such as heavy bleeding, infection, or pressure on nearby organs. It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience any unusual symptoms or if you have concerns about your health.
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