Can fibroids turn into cancer?

I am a thirty-one year old African American woman. The doctor had found a fibroid tumor the size of a large lemon. I wanted to know if it will cause cancer if I don’t get it removed. I don’t know what to do because I have read different types of cancers and I have some of the symptoms. Such as swollen stomach,usual bowel, discharge,and heavy bleeding.

Dear Anonymous-
In some cases (rare), fibroids can degenerate into a rare form of sarcoma (cancer). Your symtoms are very consistent with fibroid tumors (benign). I would not recommend waiting and watching this tumor continue to grow. FAS is your best alternative.

I have multiple fibroid tumors, 3cm is the largest. My doctor has recommended hysterectomy.I suffer from severe anemia as a result of abnormal bleeding. Is there an alternative treatment and if not, is it safe for me to wait 6 months before having surgery.

Dear AWilliams:
Fibroids very rarely become malignant. You need to have your tumors removed but hysterectomy is not the answer.You could possibly be trading one set of problems for another. We have been experiencing a great number of calls recently from women who have read the website and can concur with the symptoms listed under the section on Hysterectomy complications-we do not advise that procedure for benign disease like fibroids. Waiting for surgery will only allow your to fibroids to grow larger and your anemia to become worse. Our FAS procedure would safely remove your tumors and allow you to keep your uterus for normal hormone regulation and sexual functioning. Please call my office if you would like more information on our program. Good Luck

At what stage should one consider surgery for fibroids? What other treatments are there beside surgery?

Dear Awilli107
Malignancy rate for fibroid tumors is extrememly low, however, I do not believe in the “wait and see” philosophy when treating these tumors. Many patients have tried diets, herbs, acupuncture etc and have had some relief of symptoms, however the disease continues to grow and spread. This is why I recommend that fibroids be removed as soon as possible. Many patients have many more fibroids than they are aware they have-we are removing an average of approx 20 tumors per surgical setting. The longer you wait for treatment the more difficult they are to remove with traditional gynecological techniques and many patients end of with unnecessary hysterectomies. Our FAS procedure, although surgery, is a safe and very effective alternative.

can birth control pills help fibriod tumors. or slow down the blood flow.

Dear pctmin1-
BCPs are a standard form of traditional medical treatment for fibroids. They control the amount of estrogen released in the body on a monthly basis, thereby reducing the symptoms of heavy bleeding and rapid tumor growth. They treat the symptoms of the disease only… not the tumors directly. Eventually these tumors need to be surgically removed…you are only postponing the inevitable when taking the pills.

I am considering Fas for treatment of a softball size fibroid that is absolutely feels like it is sitting on my bladder.Traditional myo scares me with consent for a hysterectomy.I am 38 years old and want a family.I recently miscarried at 6 weeks. What risks or complications are involved with FAS as there are quite a few with the traditional. The surgeon discussed a vertical abdominal incision due to the 20 week size of the uterus. My annual was 10 months ago and my gynocologist claims my uterus was of normal size no sign of fibroid and was not distorted as it is now, claims the estrogen level in pregancy made the tumor” go crazy” .Upon exam through another gyn.in the same office it was told to me that the fibroid of such size was there for quite some time and needs to be removed.I agree.I have a left bundle branch block that will effect the reading of an ekg…will this conflict at all? I would appreciate if you could list the risks involved in the Fas procedure.Fertility is main objective along eith the relief of frequent urination and the reduction of what looks like a 5 month pregnancy to my stomach. i also have an out of network rider on my hmo …I know you are considered out of network but have you experienced this kind of insurance rider with an hmo?? Thank you.

Dear With Hope-
The risks and complications for FAS are no more than those for any abdominal, major surgery: wound infection, some blood loss, some adhesions. Unlike most other programs we have NEVER lost a patient, NEVER had to remove a uterus, NEVER transfused a patient any blood, and we have safely removed over 110 tumors from one patient, and removed a tumor the size of a full term from another. We do not consent for hysterectomy!!!
Our surgery is extremely safe and effective. For all patients interested in fertility: once FAS is performed, future pregnancies must be delivered by C-Section.
Your BBB is not a problem-we would have you evaluated by a cardiologist prior to surgery, and 95% of our procedures are done via epidural. Anesthesia concerns would be minimal.
FAS is only covered via PPO and private plans-we have not been successful with any HMO coverage. You would need to contact my office directly with any specifics-they can verify coverage on your plan.
I know FAS can help you….