A cervical fibroid is a type of growth 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 when they develop, while others do not. They appear as small, benign tumors in the reproductive system that typically appear in a woman’s cervix, but occasionally one will advance to the inside of the uterus. Usually, they only develop in ones or twos, 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, one may grow quickly and obstruct the cervix, which could result in urinary problems and irregular menstrual cycles. In pregnant women, an enlarged fibroid could be dangerous by blocking the baby from exiting the womb.
Women who have these 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, as well as 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 medical professional will take her medical history and perform an examination. Most likely, the gynecologist will recommend an MRI of the pelvic area to confirm the diagnosis as well as check for other abnormal growths.
Treatment for this growth 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 healthcare professional will check the size of the mass and, if he detects any irregularities, could decide to perform laparoscopic surgery to remove the tumor. 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, it can lead to discomfort, irritating menstrual periods, and possible fertility problems. Medical professionals think they 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.