Fibroid Tumor

I am 49 years old and two months ago, a fibroid tumor the size of a grapefruit was found on my uterus. My ob-gyn, after looking at the CAT scan ,assured me that is was not cancerous (I am a breast cancer survivor for 18 years!)and that I probably had this for a very long time. He did not immediately suggest a hysterectomy and wanted to see me again in two months to monitor its growth. I am in the beginning stages of menopause in that I just recently skipped a period and then experienced heavy bleeding with the next one. I am wondering why after all these years after breast cancer, none of my doctors have been concerned about my estrogen levels, the use of progesterone, the AMAS test, etc. etc. What are some good questions that I should be asking my doctor? Thanks for your assistance. Helen

Dear Helen-
I have no answer for you regarding your physicians concerns about estrogen/hormone replacement…it should be something you are very careful about especially with your past history.
You should talk with your doctor about the ability to remove your fibroid tumor but save your uterus..although you are close to menopause…allowing the body to naturally enter menopause is much better than potentially experiencing surgical menopause by removing your uterus. Also, we do not advocate the “wait and see” philosophy, if you try natural forms of hormone replacement during menopause your tumor will continue to grow; with a tumor this size complications can develop with bladder and bowel functioning. Also, keep in mind, post hysterectomy women often develop bladder incontinence years after the uterus is removed.
You may also wish to have all your hormones checked to monitor where you currently are in your life cycle.
Good Luck

I am a 24 year old woman who after a check up with the doctor for irregular periods and severe abdominal pain was told I may have a fibroid tumor. My doctors plans are as follows; take a prescription drug called provera to regulate my period, once period has started follow up visit only if pain continues, if follow up is needed an ultra sound will be done. My question is, will surgery be needed in every fibroid case or does it depend on the severity???? I have read a lot on these tumors and I can relate to a lot of the problems occuring with others. i.e. PAINFUL periods, frequent urination, pain in lower abdomin and lower back, very heavy and clotty perioids and fatigue. Your advice is greatly appreciated.

Dear Heather-
I am going to completely disagree with your physician!!
We do not recommend the “wait and see” philosophy…this only gives the tumors more time to grow and spread within the uterus. Fibroids are a surgical condition…and will not go away without it.
The longer you delay the larger the tumors will get and the more difficult the procedure to remove them safely.
I also want you to consider a possible diagnosis of adenomyosis…which is uterine endometriosis. This is a very progressive condition that damages the uterine muscle with every cycle. Its classic symptoms are severely painful periods with heavy bleeding and clots.
Pain is not usually associated with fibroids…unless they are larger and pressing on other organs or nerves.
I would recommend a second opinion….but do not delay.

I am 39 years old and just a couple of days ago I was told I had a tomor and when I ask the doctor what could they do they to me nothing that if it did not give me any pain there was no need to bother it. Then he told me my uterus look a little thick then usually and I could be in a early stage of pregnancy. The concern I have with this is my stomach is bloated like I am expecting and it will not go down. They didn’t notice the tumor til they did a ultersound from the vagina.

Dear Brandy-
If you are pregnant, many women carry successful pregnancies with fibroid tumors.
If you are not pregnant…your tumors should be removed. I do not agree with physicians that recommend waiting until symptoms occur to act;then it can be too late and many women end up with hysterectomies.
Get another opinion…but I would recommend surgery.