Are Uterine Fibroids Cancerous?

Uterine fibroids are a common type of tumors that form in the pelvis region. Uterine fibroids are mostly benign or non-cancerous in nature. It is a common prevailing misconception that fibroids on the uterus increase the chances of uterine cancer. Cases of uterine fibroids that are malignant or cancerous in nature are very rare and severe. Thus, having uterine fibroids does not necessarily mean that the female will have leiomyosarcoma (cancer of smooth muscles).

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Probability of cancerous uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are very common. In fact, experts believe that nearly 70-80 percent of women develop uterine fibroids by the age of 50 years. Many people wonder if uterine fibroids can be cancerous, especially since they are the abnormal outgrowths on the walls of the uterus.

Malignant uterine fibroids (or leiomyosarcoma) are quite rare. The probability of having a cancerous uterine fibroid is less than 1 in 1000. Also, these develop independently and have no relation to the existence of uterine fibroids. This means that uterine fibroids do not increase the risk of uterine sarcoma or any other kind of cancerous growths in the uterus, for that matter.

What causes cancerous uterine fibroids?

The exact cause of uterine leiomyosarcoma is still unknown. However, doctors attribute this to the genetic and DNA changes that may cause the cells in the smooth muscles of the uterus to divide uncontrollably. These changes can be spontaneous as well as inherited.

In addition to genetic changes, certain other environmental and physical factors can also make you more prone to developing cancerous uterine fibroids. These include:

Previous radiation therapies (especially pelvic radiation therapies)
Exposure to chemimor-suppressing gene)

What are the negative impacts of cancerous uterine fibroids on health?

Although cancerous uterine fibroids are rare, it is important to look out for the early signs and symptoms. Early detection increases the probability of curing uterine fibroids (both cancerous and non-cancerous).

Most of the symptoms of benign and malignant uterine fibroids are similar. However, if you have uterine fibroids and notice the following symptoms, it can indicate the presence of cancer cells in the uterine fibroid.

The abnormally fast growth of the fibroid
Post-menopausal bleeding (Also Read: Uterine fibroids after menopause)
Abnormal discharge from the vagina
Fatigue
Fever
Weight Loss (as opposed to benign fibroids that usually lead to weight gain)

If not attended to in time, or if incorrect treatments are done, the condition can worsen. The cancer cells can spread rapidly to other organs of the body, especially the liver and the lungs. This can lead to life-threatening implications as well.

Is it possible to cure cancerous uterine fibroids?

The usual treatment of uterine fibroids may not be advised by the specialist in the case of cancerous tumors. There are two widely used surgical treatments that gynecologists use to remove uterine fibroids, Myomectomy, and Hysterectomy. But these are not suitable for treating cancerous fibroids on the walls of the uterus. According to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), power morcellators assisted myomectomy and hysterectomy were not safe and reliable for curing such serious fibroids.

It is stated carrying out such surgery can actually lead to the spread of cancerous cells to the other parts of the body. Thus, if a female’s condition requires surgery, the doctors also give proper cancer treatment to the patient, such as chemotherapy. This prevents the chances of metastasis, i.e. the spreading of cancer cells.

It is understandable that the treatment for cancerous fibroids is critical and must not be delayed. The delay in treatment even after the confirmed diagnosis will only put a female at higher risks of serious health repercussions. And, it is noteworthy to remember that only after the diagnosis of the severity, the doctors confirm the best-suited treatment for the patient. So, this may require the patient to remain calm and have faith in their doctor throughout the course of treatment.

Consult Pristyn Care for proper diagnosis of uterine fibroids

So, if you are currently experiencing the symptoms of uterine fibroids and are looking for the right gynecologist, visit Pristyn Care. All our gynecologists are highly qualified and experienced in treating conditions like uterine fibroids.

Diagnosing cancerous uterine fibroids is the most difficult and most critical aspect of the treatment procedure. If the diagnosis reflects cancerous fibroids, the patient needs to reach out to an oncologist (cancer specialist) as soon as possible.

It is only after proper diagnosis that the oncologist can assess the location, type, and severity of cancer and suggest proper treatment options. Pristyn Care does not provide the treatment for cancer cells or tissues. But yes, you can absolutely rely on the diagnosis report by our gynecologist at your nearest Pristyn Care clinic.

Take Away

Do not spend too much time worrying about uterine fibroids. Just make sure that you come in contact with a reliable gynecologist for a thorough diagnosis of the symptoms and the best-suited treatment. Medical advances have made it possible to cure even the severest of fibroids. Thus, a female once suffering from uterine fibroids can surely get rid of the problem with medical intervention along with the healthy diet that their doctors suggest. Do not be afraid anymore, reach out for help, and take a step towards a healthier life.