What Is a Cervical Fibroid?
A cervical fibroid is a type of fibroid that develops in a woman’s cervix. Fibroids are tiny lumps of fibrous materials that are often not cancerous and vary in size. Some women have symptoms with cervical fibroids while others do not.Fibroids appear as small benign tumors in the reproductive system. These fibroids show up in a woman’s cervix, but occasionally a cervical fibroid will advance to the inside of the uterus. Usually there are only one or two cervical fibroids, as opposed to the many that may develop in the ovaries.
When a cervical fibroid is in the cervix, it can change the shape of the cervix and cause it to lengthen. If the fibroid gets bigger, it could actually cause the uterus to push upwards. In some cases, a fibroid may have rapid growth and obstruct the cervix. This could result in urinary problems and irregular menstrual cycles. In pregnant women, an enlarged cervical fibroid could be dangerous by blocking the baby from exiting the womb.
Women who have cervical fibroids may have symptoms such as heavy bleeding throughout the menstrual cycle and abdominal pain. Some women have anemia from the increased blood loss, cramping and back pain. Other symptoms a woman may have during her cycle are weakness, fatigue and dizziness. The size and location of the fibroid determines to what extent a woman may have symptoms, if any at all.
If a woman suspects she may have a cervical fibroid, she should see her gynecologist. The doctor will take her medical history and perform an examination. Most likely, the gynecologist will recommend an MRI of the pelvic area to confirm a cervical fibroid as well as check for other abnormal growths.
Treatment for a cervical fibroid varies depending on the woman's health. Some fibroids do not require treatment as long as they do not cause pain or bleeding, or impact fertility. The doctor will check the size of the mass and if he detects any irregularities could decide to perform laparoscopic surgery to remove the fibroid. Sometimes women develop excessive fibroids or have them in their uterus. When this happens, the patient might need to have a hysterectomy.
Even though a cervical fibroid is usually not cancerous, the fibroid can lead to discomfort, irritating menstrual periods and possible fertility problems. Doctors think fibroids are genetic in nature and may be linked to hormonal changes. Menopausal women may be at greater risk of developing fibroids due to the imbalance of hormones.
Written by Erin Oxendine
