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What is a Cervical Fibroid?
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.
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![A diagram of a normal, healthy female reproductive system with no presentation of cervical fibroids.]()
By: AlilaA diagram of a normal, healthy female reproductive system with no presentation of cervical fibroids. -
![If a woman suspects she has a cervical fibroid, she should consult her gynecologist.]()
By: Zsolnai GergelyIf a woman suspects she has a cervical fibroid, she should consult her gynecologist. -
![If left untreated, a cervical fibroid may cause abdominal cramping and pain.]()
By: AllianceIf left untreated, a cervical fibroid may cause abdominal cramping and pain. -
![In cases of suspected cervical fibroids, the gynecologist will likely recommend an MRI of the pelvic area to confirm the diagnosis.]()
By: JackFIn cases of suspected cervical fibroids, the gynecologist will likely recommend an MRI of the pelvic area to confirm the diagnosis. -
![Cervical fibroids may cause heavy bleeding throughout the menstrual cycle.]()
By: Vlad IvantcovCervical fibroids may cause heavy bleeding throughout the menstrual cycle.
Discussion Comments
@anon351208: Only a doctor can answer that question for you, and you're not doing yourself any favors by not seeing a doctor. Please make an appointment. Good luck.
I am 44 years old and have been experiencing abnormal bleeding for three months. Now my cervix feels lumpy. Please tell me it's not cancerous.
For future reference, if you have cervical fibroids, they are uterine because the cervix is part of the uterus. I currently have a cervical fibroid and the doctor has suggested that we do a procedure called novasure to make me feel better and to stop the bleeding.
It is something that makes it so that I most likely will not be able to conceive another child, but I'm good with that; I have 3 already. Novasure is a form of uterus ablation. It is an outpatient procedure and is probably going to make a big difference in my life. We shall see.
I had cervical fibroids about two years back, when I was 38. The doctor suggested laparoscopic surgery to remove the fibroids but when I read about an ayurvedic treatment, I thought I'd give it a try. Within a month, my fibroids were gone and i had a clean pap smear at my next appointment. I think surgery is not required unless the fibroids are internal.
I'm 24 and I had a cervical fibroid about three years ago. Mine caused horrendous bleeding for several months straight. I dealt with the bleeding until I had a rather massive hemorrhage. The surgery to remove it was very simple, very fast. The issue that I have is that mine is likely caused by hormonal imbalances because I have PCOS, but my doctor completely failed to diagnose me.
It's been a long time since then, and a different doctor got to the root of the problem for me, which has been a nightmare all its own.
Frankly, I don't want children and have no emotional connection to my girly-parts. I'd happily have the darn things out not to have to deal with the stress.
I am 32 and had surgery last year for uterine fibroids. I went to see a OB/GYN this week and they think I have cervical fibroids growing. They are not sure. I think it is very possible to grow fibroids if it is hereditary.
About four months ago I began experiencing bleeding all month long. Still having heavy periods every 28 days but all in between bleeding a little bit. Had surgery seven years ago to remove six uterine fibroids. Now I find out I have two cervical fibroids causing the bleeding.
I am 49 years old and my ob/gyn Dr. said this is only the second time he has seen this in his career. Because I want to keep my uterus, he is sending me to a fertility specialist since the maintaining of my uterus is this important to me. I am really upset and can't believe I am still growing fibroids! Is there a laser treatment now?
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