Uterine fibroids are common, non-cancerous growths that can develop within the uterus. A calcified uterine fibroid refers to a growth that has undergone a natural hardening process. Understanding calcified fibroids involves exploring what fibroids are, the biological reasons behind their calcification, and how they are identified and managed.
What Uterine Fibroids Are
Uterine fibroids, also known as leiomyomas, are non-cancerous growths composed of muscle and fibrous tissue that form in or on the wall of the uterus. These growths are the most common non-cancerous tumors found in females, affecting approximately 40% to 80% of individuals with a uterus. They occur most frequently in people between 30 and 50 years old, during the reproductive years. Many individuals with fibroids do not experience any symptoms, and their presence may only be discovered incidentally during a routine pelvic examination or imaging.
Fibroids can vary significantly in size, ranging from as small as a seed to larger than a grapefruit. Their location within the uterus determines their classification. Intramural fibroids are embedded within the muscular wall of the uterus and are the most common type. Subserosal fibroids grow on the outer surface of the uterus, while submucosal fibroids develop under the inner lining and protrude into the uterine cavity. Some fibroids, known as pedunculated fibroids, are attached to the uterus by a stalk-like structure.
Why Fibroids Become Calcified
Fibroids undergo calcification as a natural biological process, where calcium deposits accumulate within the fibroid tissue, causing it to harden. This hardening occurs when a fibroid experiences degeneration, often due to outgrowing its blood supply or diminishing blood flow. When the fibroid tissue no longer receives adequate oxygen and nutrients, its cells can die, leading to the deposition of calcium salts. This process signifies that the fibroid is older, stable, or shrinking, rather than actively growing.
Calcification is not a sign of cancer; calcified fibroids are benign. The process is more likely to occur in larger fibroids that begin to degenerate, especially if the blood supply is cut off quickly. It is also more common in postmenopausal individuals, as declining estrogen levels contribute to fibroid shrinkage and tissue breakdown. All types of fibroids, regardless of their initial location, have the potential to calcify over time.
Identifying and Addressing Calcified Fibroids
Calcified fibroids are discovered incidentally during imaging tests like ultrasounds, CT scans, or MRIs. Their hardened nature makes them more easily visible. While many calcified fibroids remain asymptomatic, some individuals may experience symptoms depending on the fibroid’s size, location, and pressure on surrounding organs. Symptoms can include pelvic pain or pressure, frequent urination, constipation, lower back discomfort, or, less commonly, heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding.
Management of calcified fibroids involves observation, especially if they are not causing symptoms. If symptoms are present, management may include pain relief medications or hormonal therapies. For severe or persistent symptoms, various treatment options are available. These include minimally invasive procedures like uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), which blocks blood flow to the fibroid, or surgical interventions such as myomectomy (fibroid removal while preserving the uterus) or hysterectomy (removal of the entire uterus). Calcification itself does not necessitate specific intervention; the presence and severity of associated symptoms guide treatment decisions.