- Ovarian cysts and myomas are sometimes confused. What are the differences between these?
They are not the same thing. They are pathologies that develop in completely different organs. Myoma is located within the borders of the uterus. To put it more clearly, the benign tumor arising from muscle and connective tissue in the uterus is called myoma. Ovarian cysts are cysts that occur in a woman's ovaries.
- Are myomas and cysts genetic?
There is a familial, genetic predisposition for myomas. Having myoma-related pathologies in the person's family increases the susceptibility. There is no genetic predisposition in benign ovarian cysts. However, there is a genetic predisposition for some types of ovarian cancer.
- Who is most likely to have myoma?
One in every 4-5 women has myoma, and the majority of them do not have any complaints. Myomas are frequently seen in women between the ages of 30 and 40. The size and location of the myoma is the most important factor in causing complaints. The decision to operate is made based on these complaints.
- What are the symptoms of myoma?
Yes, myoma often does not cause symptoms and many of them are detected during gynecological examination. The most important complaints that myoma may cause are breakthrough bleeding, pain, and pain during sexual intercourse. In addition, when they are too large, they can put pressure on the surrounding tissues. For example, a myoma pressing on the bladder may cause frequent urination. A myoma that puts pressure on the large intestine may cause constipation. Myoma, which develops at a young age, regresses rapidly after menopause. Therefore, it is caused by the relationship between myoma and the estrogen hormone. Myoma growth may also occur due to increased estrogen hormone secretion during pregnancy. The rapid shrinkage of myoma after pregnancy confirms this view.
- You said that myoma is seen in every 4-5 women. What is the reason for the formation of myomas?
Yes, some women develop myomas, while others do not have them at all. The reason for this has not yet been clearly determined. The genetic aspect of this disease is strong, as almost all women with fibroids are also seen in their families, that is, their close circle such as mothers and aunts.
- How many types of myomas are there and where are they seen?
Myomas take various names depending on their location in the uterus. Myomas (subserous) that are close to the outer surface of the uterus are the ones that cause the least complaints. Generally, these do not cause bleeding and do not cause infertility. However, if they grow to 8-10 cm in size, they cause pain. Likewise, small myomas (intramural) located in the middle of the uterine walls do not cause any complaints. When they exceed 4 - 5 cm, they may cause pain and bleeding. Those that settle inside the uterus, in the uterine cavity (submucous), are the ones that cause the most complaints. Even those that are 1 cm in size can cause severe bleeding and pain, even miscarriage and infertility.
- In which cases should surgery be performed?
Of course, myomas that cause severe pain and bleeding... Also, if the myoma is seen to be growing rapidly during ultrasound follow-up, surgery is definitely necessary. These types of myomas do not shrink on their own. Myomas are removed through two different types of surgery: open and closed. There is a 20 – 25 percent risk of recurrence in women who have myoma surgery, and the patient should know this.
- Is there a non-surgical treatment method?
It is seen that myomas temporarily shrink by 30 - 40 percent with some hormone intake. For example, in women who are about to enter menopause, not having surgery may be an option. In addition, in recent years, methods of melting myoma by shrinking it using sound waves have been developed. The use of this method in women expecting pregnancy is not clear.
- So, is it possible to prevent myoma formation?
We can prevent the formation of some ovarian cysts by suppressing the functioning of the ovaries with drugs such as birth control pills. However, there is no method to prevent myoma formation.
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