Irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding is often the first sign there may be a uterine disorder. Irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding is often the first sign there may be a uterine disorder. Irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding is often the first sign there may be a uterine disorder. OB/Gyn Center’s physicians have a high level of expertise in evaluating and treating uterine disorders including:
Fibroids
Fibroids are muscular tumors that grow in the wall of the uterus. They are almost always benign (non-cancerous). Fibroids are most common in women in their 40’s and early 50’s and can have a significant impact on a woman’s life. Moderate to severe pain, heavy menstrual bleeding and painful intercourse are common. Fibroids may also put pressure on the bladder or rectum, causing frequent urination, or rectal pressure respectively. Depending on the severity of symptoms, treatment for fibroids can range from medication to surgical removal or hysterectomy.
Polyps
Uterine polyps are formed by an overgrowth of normal tissue and are most common in women in their 40’s and 50’s. They are generally benign but in rare instances can contain cancerous cells. Symptoms include irregular or heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods or bleeding after menopause. Polyps are generally removed in a procedure called a hysteroscopy. A thin, flexible, lighted telescope (hysteroscope) is inserted through the vagina and cervix into the uterus. Your physician visually examines the inside of the uterus and removes any polyps. Tissue samples are sent to a pathologist who evaluates the polyp to ensure the specimens do not contain cancerous cells.
Uterine/Endometrial Cancer
There are two basic types of uterine cancer: uterine sarcomas and endometrial cancer. Uterine sarcomas grow in the muscles in the uterus and account for less than 5% of cancers of the uterus. Endometrial cancer begins in the tissue lining the uterus. It is the fourth most common cancer in American women. Most endometrial cancer develops in post-menopausal women, however precancerous conditions can be diagnosed earlier in life. It is a slow growing cancer and very treatable when diagnosed in its early stages. Risk factors include obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a family history of endometrial cancer.
The most notable symptom of endometrial cancer is vaginal bleeding between periods or after menopause. Hysterectomy is generally recommended.