2. What are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also called leiomyomas or myomas are benign tumors made of smooth muscle tissue arising from the
myometrium in the uterus
Fibroids are not associated with an increase risk of uterine cancer however some uterine fibroids can be found to be
cancerous
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/syc-20354288 https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids
3. Three major types of uterine fibroids
1. Subserosal : project outside of uterus
(most common)
2. Intramural : grow within uterine wall
(second most common)
3. Submucosal : bulge into uterine cavity
(least common)
Some submucosal or subserosal fibroids may
be pedunculated (having a stalk)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/syc-20354288
https://www.reproductivefacts.org/news-and-publications/patient-fact-sheets-and-booklets/documents/fact-sheets-and-info-booklets/fibroids-and-
fertility/
4. Symptoms
Four symptoms categories:
1. Heavy, or prolonged vaginal bleeding
2. Pelvic pain, including painful menses
3. Bulk symptoms
○ abdominal protrusion
○ bowel or bladder dysfunction
○ early satiety
4. Reproductive dysfunction
○ infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss
Many women who have fibroids don't have any symptoms
In those that do, symptoms can be influenced by the location, size and number of fibroids.
https://www-uptodate-com.york.ezproxy.cuny.edu/contents/uterine-fibroids-leiomyomas-treatment-overview?search=uterine%20fibroid&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
5. What causes uterine fibroids?
Research has not identified cause,
however there are known links with
the following:
●Hormones levels ( estrogen and
progesterone levels)
○ growth is dependent on estrogen and progesterone
●Genetic component
● Environmental factors
Office on Women’s Health. (2018, March 16). _Uterine fibroids._Retrieved June 18, 2018, from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids
6. Risk factors for uterine fibroids
● Age: 30s and 40s up until menopause; fibroids shrink in menopause
● Weight: overweight or obese women
● Diet: High intake in processed red meat, alcohol, and soybean milk, low vitamin D intake
● Family history: Having a family member with fibroids increases your risk
● Ethnic origin: African-American women are more likely to develop fibroids than Caucasian women
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/syc-20354288
Setchell, K. Soy isoflavones — benefits and risks from nature’s selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERM). J Am Coll Nutr. 2001;20(5 Suppl):354S-362S.
Martin CL, Huber LR, Thompson ME, Racine EF. Serum micronutrient concentrations and risk of uterine fibroids. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2011;20(6):915-922.
7. Diagnostic Imaging
1. Primary Imaging: Ultrasound (transabdominal, transvaginal)
● Hysterosonography or Sonohysterogram
1. Secondary Imaging: MRI
2. Other imaging: X-ray, CT Scan
● Hysterosalpingography (Procedure using x-ray imaging with contrast)
Woo J, & Scott R.K. (2020). Leiomyoma of the uterus (fibroidtumor). PapadakisM.A., & McPhee S.J.,& Rabow M.W.(Eds.), Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2020. McGraw-Hill. https://accessmedicine-mhmedical-
com.york.ezproxy.cuny.edu/content.aspx?bookid=2683§ionid=225051071
8.
9. Transvaginal VS Transabdominal Ultrasound
● Transabdominal providers a panoramic view of abdomen and pelvis
● Transvaginal provides a more focused thus limited view “zoomed in”
● Consideration: TVU method requires placing a probe into the vagina which is more invasive for the patient
Case courtesy of Assoc Prof Craig Hacking, Radiopaedia.org, rID: 43471
Transabdominal Transvaginal
10. Presentation of Leiomyoma ultrasound:
● Usually hypoechoic (darker), but can be isoechoic (normal) or hyperechoic (lighter) as well compared to normal myometrium
● echogenic foci with shadowing indicates calcification
● cystic areas of necrosis or degeneration may be seen
● Venetian blind artifact may be seen but edge shadowing +/- dense posterior shadowing from calcification is also typically seen
https://radiopaedia.org/articles/uterine-leiomyoma?lang=us
17. Hysterosonography
Water is inserted into the uterus for
better visualization during US
When would you use?
● Indicated for better visualization of
submucosal fibroids
https://www.med.unc.edu/obgyn/migs/our-services/unc-fibroid-center/
Also called sonohysterogram or hydrosonogram
19. X-Ray of calcified uterine fibroid
Case courtesy of Dr Vikas Shah, Radiopaedia.org, rID: 49719
Calcifications often have patchy “popcorn”
appearance
20. Calcified Fibroid on CT Scan
http://www.lumen.luc.edu/lumen/meded/Radio/curriculum/OBGYN/Fibroids1.htm
21. General Treatment Considerations
Asymptomatic patients with no fertility considerations may not warrant treatment
Hysteroscopicfibroidresectionor radiofrequency ablation
● Outpatient, rapid recovery, virtually no risk of future uterine rupture during pregnancy
● Only works for mucosal fibroids
SymptomManagementwithPharmacologytherapy(Goodoptionsfor non-mucosalfibroids)
● Estrogen-Progesteron Contraceptives (OCP, vaginal ring, transdermal patch)
○ Pt must be appropriate candidate for estrogen use
● Progesteron-only contraceptives: Mirena IUD, Nexplanon arm implant
● Transexamic Acid: Take while on menses
● Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Antagonist: Orilissa(Elagolix)
● Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Agonist
OtherSurgicalProcedureOptions
● Uterine artery embolization **Interventional
● MRI guided ultrasound ablation **Interventional
● Hysterectomy
○ Extreme consideration for non-menopausal women
26. Summary
Who is most at risk: premenopausal women, in 30’s-40’s, more common in black women than Caucasian
Commonsymptoms: heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, possible anemia from prolonged bleeding
Goldstandarddiagnostic: Ultrasonography is the standard confirmatory test because it can easily and
inexpensively differentiate a fibroid from a pregnant uterus or an adnexal mass
Treatments are symptomand fibroid location/size-based
● Important to remember there are minimally invasive treatments that are safe for future pregnancy, with virtually no
risk for uterine rupture in subsequent pregnancy
Goal outcomes: Reduction of symptoms and increased fertility if goal
https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0115/p100.html#afp20170115p100-b7
27. Resources
● Stewart, E. A., Cookson, C. L., Gandolfo, R. A., & Schulzeath, R. (2017). Epidemiology of uterine fibroids: A systematic
review. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, 124(10), 1501–1512. Retrieved July 30, 2018,
from https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1471-0528.14640
● Pavone, D., Clemenza, S., Sorbi, F., Fambrini, M., & Petraglia, F. (2018). Epidemiology and risk factors of uterine
fibroids. Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynecology, 46, 3–11. Retrieved July 30, 2018,
from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1521693417301372?via%3Dihub
● Emma Giuliani, Sawsan As‐Sanie, Erica E. Marsh, Epidemiology and management of uterine fibroids, International
Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 10.1002/ijgo.13102, 149, 1, (3-9), (2020)
● Stewart EA. Clinical practice. Uterine fibroids. N Engl J Med. 2015 Apr 23;372(17):1646-55. doi:
10.1056/NEJMcp1411029. PMID: 25901428.
● Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). (2019, December 10). Uterine fibroids - Symptoms and
causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/syc-
20354288
● NCH Healthcare System. (2019, October 12). Uterine fibroids. Uterine Fibroids.
https://www.nchmd.org/education/mayo-health-library/details/CON-20198832
● U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Office on Women’s Health. (2019, April 1). Uterine fibroids |
Womenshealth.gov. Womenshealth.Gov. https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-
fibroids#:%7E:text=Rarely%20(less%20than%20one%20in,of%20developing%20a%20cancerous%20fibroid
28. Resources
● Stewart, E. A. (2015). Uterine fibroids. New England Journal of Medicine, 372, 1646–1655. Retrieved October 25,
2018, from https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcp1411029?page=&sort=oldest
● AAAHC (Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care). (2020, September 10). Fibroids: What are Uterine
Fibroids? USA Fibroid Centers. https://www.usafibroidcenters.com/uterine-fibroids/
● Azura Vascular Care. (2018, November 28). Understanding Uterine Fibroid Causes, Risk Factors and Treatment
Options. https://www.azuravascularcare.com/infoufe/understanding-uterine-fibroid-causes-risk-factors-treatment-
options/
● Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Society of Reproductive Surgeons (2008).
Myomas and reproductive function. Fertility and Sterility, 90(3): S125–S130.
● Stewart, E., Barbiera, R., & Chakrabarti, A. (2020). Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas): Treatment overview.
UpToDate. Retrieved Oct 28, 2020 from https://www-uptodate-com.york.ezproxy.cuny.edu/contents/uterine-
fibroidsleiomyomastreatmentoverview?search=uterine%20fibroid&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usa
ge_type=default&display_rank=1
● De La Cruz, M.S. & Buchanan E.M. (2017, January 15). Uterine Fibroids: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Family
Physician. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2017/0115/p100.html#afp20170115p100-b7
Venetian blind artifact literally looks like window blinds (appears sideways because of ultrasound angle)
Some predictors of malignancy on magnetic resonance imaging include age older than 45 years (odds ratio [OR] = 20), intratumoral hemorrhage (OR = 21), endometrial thickening (OR = 11), T2-weighted signal heterogeneity (OR = 10), menopausal status (OR = 9.7), and nonmyometrial origin
L & R white spaces are hip bones. Rectum is visualized posteriorly.
In the past, the only uterine fibroid treatment available was surgery which would remove either part or all of a woman’s uterus. This influenced a lot of women to do the “watch and wait” method. It’s important to remember that fibroids will not go away without treatment. When left untreated, they will continue to cause uncomfortable or painful symptoms. Over time this chronic pain and discomfort may decrease as a woman gets closer to menopause, but this is not a guarantee.
https://www.usafibroidcenters.com/blog/what-happens-if-fibroids-go-untreated/
The patient's desire for immediate or future childbearing is also assessed prior to choosing any fibroid treatment as the therapies have differing impacts on fertility.
Terminology: Ablation means heat/radiofrequency, embolization means cutting off blood supply
Image-guided interventions
Performed while you're inside an MRI scanner equipped with a high-energy ultrasound transducer for treatment. The images give your doctor the precise location of the uterine fibroids. When the location of the fibroid is targeted, the ultrasound transducer focuses sound waves (sonications) into the fibroid to heat and destroy small areas of fibroid tissue.
Radiofrequency ablation
In this procedure, radiofrequency energy destroys uterine fibroids and shrinks the blood vessels that feed them. This can be done during a laparoscopic or transcervical procedure. A similar procedure called cryomyolysis freezes the fibroids.
With laparoscopic radiofrequency ablation, also called Lap-RFA, your doctor makes two small incisions in the abdomen to insert a slim viewing instrument (laparoscope) with a camera at the tip. Using the laparoscopic camera and a laparoscopic ultrasound tool, your doctor locates fibroids to be treated.
After locating a fibroid, your doctor uses a specialized device to deploy several small needles into the fibroid. The needles heat up the fibroid tissue, destroying it. The destroyed fibroid immediately changes consistency, for instance from being hard like a golf ball to being soft like a marshmallow. During the next three to 12 months, the fibroid continues to shrink, improving symptoms.
Because there's no cutting of uterine tissue, doctors consider Lap-RFA a less invasive alternative to hysterectomy and myomectomy. Most women who have the procedure get back to regular activities after 5 to 7 days of recovery.
The transcervical — or through the cervix — approach to radiofrequency ablation also uses ultrasound guidance to locate fibroids.
Woo J, & Scott R.K. (2020). Leiomyoma of the uterus (fibroid tumor). Papadakis M.A., & McPhee S.J., & Rabow M.W.(Eds.), Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2020. McGraw-Hill. https://accessmedicine-mhmedical-com.york.ezproxy.cuny.edu/content.aspx?bookid=2683§ionid=225051071
Uterine artery embolization is a minimally invasive treatment for uterine fibroids. In uterine artery embolization, the goal is to block the blood vessels supplying the fibroids, causing them to shrink.
Uterine artery embolization. Small particles (embolic agents) are injected into the arteries supplying the uterus, cutting off blood flow to fibroids, causing them to shrink and die.
This technique can be effective in shrinking fibroids and relieving the symptoms they cause. Complications may occur if the blood supply to your ovaries or other organs is compromised. However, research shows that complications are similar to surgical fibroid treatments and the risk of transfusion is substantially reduced.
Woo J, & Scott R.K. (2020). Leiomyoma of the uterus (fibroid tumor). Papadakis M.A., & McPhee S.J., & Rabow M.W.(Eds.), Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment 2020. McGraw-Hill. https://accessmedicine-mhmedical-com.york.ezproxy.cuny.edu/content.aspx?bookid=2683§ionid=225051071
Ultrasonography is the standard confirmatory test because it can easily and inexpensively differentiate a fibroid from a pregnant uterus or an adnexal mass.
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcp1411029?page=&sort=oldest
Hysterectomy remains a treatment option for women who have completed childbearing. It is the only treatment that prevents the common problem of new fibroid formation (which is typically termed recurrence)15 and also treats concomitant diseases, including adenomyosis and cervical neoplasia. Observational data suggest that women who have undergone hysterectomy have improvements in quality of life over the next 1 to 10 years.15,27
https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMcp1411029?page=&sort=oldest
Fibroids return after surgery in 10 to 50 out of 100 women, depending on the original fibroid problem. Fibroids that were larger and more numerous are most likely to recur.
footnote
2 Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Society of Reproductive Surgeons (2008). Myomas and reproductive function. Fertility and Sterility, 90(3): S125–S130.
Hysteroscopic resection of submucosal fibroids — For patients with HMB, the first step is determining if there is a submucosal fibroid because of the safety and efficacy of hysteroscopic myomectomy as a treatment [6]. Submucosal fibroids amenable to hysteroscopic resection include International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) type 0, type 1, or type 2