Uterine fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths that develop within the uterus. These growths vary significantly in size, number, and location, leading to a wide range of potential experiences. Understanding their dimensions and implications is a common concern.
Visualizing a 10-Centimeter Fibroid
A 10-centimeter fibroid is considered relatively large. To put this into perspective, 10 centimeters is approximately 3.94 inches. This size is comparable to a small orange, a plum, or a standard lime. It is also similar in length to everyday items such as a men’s wallet, a standard playing card, or a toilet paper roll’s inner cardboard tube. This helps visualize the physical space such a fibroid might occupy.
What Are Uterine Fibroids?
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas or myomas, arise from the muscle and fibrous tissue of the uterus. They are among the most common growths found in the female reproductive system, varying from microscopic to large masses.
These growths can develop in different locations within or on the uterus, influencing symptoms. Intramural fibroids grow within the muscular wall and are the most common. Subserosal fibroids develop on the outer surface, while submucosal fibroids are located just beneath the inner lining and can protrude into the uterine cavity. Some fibroids, called pedunculated fibroids, are attached by a stalk.
Common Symptoms of Larger Fibroids
Larger fibroids, such as a 10-centimeter fibroid, are more likely to cause noticeable symptoms due to their size and pressure on surrounding organs. Common symptoms include heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), which can lead to prolonged periods, bleeding between cycles, and anemia, causing fatigue and weakness.
Larger fibroids can also cause pelvic pressure or pain, a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, and discomfort during intercourse. Pressure on the bladder can lead to frequent urination or a constant urge to urinate, even at night, by reducing bladder capacity. Similarly, pressure on the bowel can result in constipation or a sensation of rectal fullness.
Options for Management
The management of uterine fibroids, particularly those of a significant size, depends on symptoms, fibroid location, desire for future pregnancy, and patient preference. For asymptomatic fibroids, watchful waiting may be an initial approach. However, larger fibroids often necessitate intervention due to symptom severity.
Medical management options include hormonal therapies like gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, which shrink fibroids and reduce bleeding by creating a temporary low-estrogen state. Other medications, such as oral contraceptive pills or tranexamic acid, manage heavy bleeding but do not typically reduce fibroid size. Less invasive procedures, such as uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), block the blood supply to fibroids, causing them to shrink. UFE is a minimally invasive alternative effective for large fibroids that preserves the uterus.
Surgical interventions range from myomectomy, which removes only the fibroids while preserving the uterus, to hysterectomy, which removes the entire uterus. Myomectomy is often considered for those wishing to maintain fertility. Hysterectomy is a definitive solution for severe symptoms or when future pregnancies are not desired. Other techniques include MRI-guided focused ultrasound, which uses heat to shrink fibroids.