Fibroids are benign growths in a woman’s uterus at any age. They are a cluster of muscles and connective tissues. While some fibroids can be harmless, some can create trouble and affect the smooth functioning of the body. Fibroids, also known as tumours, are not always cancerous.
These tumours can grow in size and sometimes become too large. Now, how big is too big? What size of fibroids should be considered dangerous? Read on to learn all about fibroid sizes and when to worry about them.
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Does the Size of the Fibroid Matter?
A fibroid can cause trouble irrespective of its size. Sometimes, even a tiny fibroid can cause problems due to its location and the individual’s health. Knowing a fibroid’s size can help doctors determine the next course of action.
Fibroids also grow in clusters. Their growth rate varies. While some fibroids can go through growth spurts, some can also shrink. The size of the fibroids is a problem if they are too big, but if they are small, there is no guarantee that they won’t cause trouble.
Fibroids need to be monitored regularly. Your doctor will decide the next course of action depending on the growth rate, the number of fibroids, the location, and its impact on your general health.
A small fibroid is just the size of a seed or a cherry. You may hardly notice its presence. Most of these fibroids do not cause any trouble. A medium-sized fibroid will be the size of a plum or an orange. These may cause discomfort, pain, and irregular menstrual cycle, among other issues. A large fibroid can be the size of a grapefruit or even a watermelon. These can add much weight and pressure, causing immense pain and discomfort. Large fibroids are not uncommon. Doctors have removed a fibroid weighing 100 lbs. However, this is rare; not all large fibroids develop to this size and weight.
Fibroids near the uterine lining can impact foetal development and cause pregnancy complications.
Large fibroids, in particular, can cause the following complications:
Inside Uterus – Large fibroids inside the uterus can change the shape of the uterine lining, affecting your pregnancy. If you don’t remove large fibroids inside the uterus, it might become difficult to stay pregnant as the foetus will not have enough space to develop.
Damage During Removal – Doctors will suggest removing large fibroids; they will occupy space in your uterus, increase your overall weight and make you look bulky around the abdomen, too. When removing such fibroids, the uterus can suffer damage if the fibroid is larger than a 3-month-old foetus.
Rupture – There is a significant risk of the fibroid bursting or rupturing, leading to severe complications requiring immediate surgical treatment. They can be very painful, too.
Blood Clots – Sometimes, such large fibroids can lead to a pulmonary embolism – blood clots formed in the lungs can quickly become fatal.
Damage To Organs – Depending on the location, large fibroids can cause damage to the surrounding organs as well. It can affect your bladder or bowel and cause issues in those areas.
Fibroids are unpredictable. No one knows the exact cause of these fibroids and what accelerates their growth. It is essential to monitor fibroids of any size to avoid complications. If your fibroids are causing trouble, your doctor can shrink them using specific tablets or procedures. Surgical procedures will remove the fibroids altogether, whereas non-surgical procedures will cut off the blood supply to the fibroids and cause them to shrink. You may not get a specific answer if you wonder about the qualifying size of fibroids for a hysterectomy. There are other options to treat fibroids.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization - For many large fibroids, the best course of treatment would be a noninvasive procedure known as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE). This procedure will cut off the nutritional and blood supply to the fibroids. The fibroids will decrease in size due to a lack of blood flow.
Myomectomy – A hysteroscopic myomectomy would be the best treatment for small uterine fibroids. An abdominal myomectomy would be a better option for larger uterine fibroids. However, this is a major surgery that requires general anesthesia.
Hysterectomy – If the fibroid is too big or located in such a place that removing it would be risky, the doctor will suggest a hysterectomy. Through hysterectomy, they can remove a part of the uterus. Remove the fallopian tubes, ovaries, or cervix, depending on the fibroid’s location
Conclusion
Fibroids, large or small, can cause trouble. Whether they require any treatment depends on their location, development, the complications they cause and your health. The treatment options will also vary from case to case. Consulting an experienced doctor can help you decide the right course of action for your fibroids.
FAQs
1. What size of fibroids need surgery?
Fibroids, large or small, will require surgery if they are giving you trouble. You need to surgically remove them if they are in the uterine lining or causing fertility issues. Ignoring small fibroids can hamper fertility or pregnancy.
2. Which sizes of fibroids are considered to be dangerous?
A fibroid over 2 mm in diameter can become dangerous. Fibroids, irrespective of their size, are dangerous if they cause severe symptoms like heavy bleeding, pain or pressure in the pelvic area, fertility issues or urinary incontinence.
3. At what size are fibroids a problem?
Even small fibroids can cause trouble. On average, fibroids over 5 cm in length are considered a potential problem.
4. Is a 7 cm fibroid dangerous?
Yes. Generally, a fibroid over 5 cm in size can be dangerous. Doctors prefer removing them to avoid further complications
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