How big is the cervical fibroid that requires surgery?

Although uterine fibroids are a benign tumor most of the time, it is undeniable that they do have the possibility of becoming cancerous. Therefore, once uterine fibroids are detected, appropriate measures need to be taken for treatment under the guidance of a doctor in a timely manner. If the uterine fibroids inside the patient's uterus are too large, they will compress other surrounding nerves and affect the normal functioning of the uterus. So how big does a uterine fibroid have to be before surgery is required?

How big is the uterine fibroid that requires surgery?

When uterine fibroids grow to the size of a fist, they cause compression of other organs in the pelvis. Surgical removal can relieve symptoms, but large fibroids are more likely to worsen than small fibroids. Fibroids grow too fast, or after menopause, fibroids do not shrink but grow larger. Uterine fibroids cause heavy bleeding, or long-term excessive menstrual flow and prolonged menstruation leading to anemia, which cannot be cured by medication. At this time, surgical treatment is required. At the same time, under normal circumstances, surgery can be considered if the score is above 6.0, and it is recommended to consider it carefully.

Surgery is the best treatment if the following occurs

1. Torsion of fibroids: If the fibroids twist at the pedicle, it may cause acute abdominal pain in the patient. If it is not treated surgically in time, it may cause axial torsion of the uterus.

2. If menopausal patients with uterine fibroids continue to experience uterine bleeding, they should be alert to the presence of endometrial cancer and go to the hospital for examination in time.

3. Meet the conditions for surgical treatment: Uterine fibroid surgery is to remove the fibroids on the uterus. It is suitable for women who already have children, have larger fibroids with a diameter greater than 5cm, have heavy menstrual periods and are ineffective with conservative medication, or have compression symptoms, submucosal fibroids, or rapidly growing fibroids.

What are the symptoms of uterine fibroids?

1. Irregular menstruation

Irregular menstruation with increased menstrual flow and prolonged menstrual period is the most common symptom of uterine fibroids. It is more common in large intramural fibroids and submucosal fibroids. Fibroids enlarge the uterine cavity, increase the area of ​​the endometrium and affect uterine contraction. In addition, fibroids may compress the veins near the tumor, causing congestion and dilation of the endometrial venous plexus, thereby causing increased menstrual flow and prolonged menstruation. When submucosal fibroids are accompanied by necrosis and infection, there may be irregular vaginal bleeding or bloody purulent discharge. Long-term excessive menstrual flow may lead to anemia, fatigue, palpitations and other symptoms.

2. Lower abdominal mass

When the fibroids are small, no lump can be felt in the abdomen. However, when the fibroids gradually increase in size and the uterus exceeds the size of a 3-month pregnancy, they can be felt from the abdomen. Giant submucosal fibroids can prolapse outside the vagina, and patients may seek medical attention due to prolapse of the vulva.

3. Increased leucorrhea

Intramural fibroids increase the area of ​​the uterine cavity, increase the secretion of endometrial glands, and are accompanied by pelvic congestion, which leads to increased leucorrhea. Once submucosal uterine fibroids are infected, there may be a large amount of pus-like leucorrhea. If there is ulceration, necrosis, or bleeding, there may be bloody or purulent vaginal discharge with a foul odor.

4. Compression symptoms

Fibroids in the lower segment of the anterior wall of the uterus can compress the bladder and cause frequent and urgent urination; cervical fibroids can cause difficulty urinating and urinary retention; fibroids on the posterior wall of the uterus (isthmus or posterior wall) can cause symptoms such as lower abdominal distension and discomfort and constipation. Broad ligament myomas or giant cervical myomas develop laterally, embed into the pelvic cavity, compress the ureter, and cause obstruction of the upper urinary tract, resulting in ureteral dilatation and even hydronephrosis.