Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Pelvic laparoscopy Female reproductive anatomy Fibroid tumors Uterus

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Uterine fibroids

Alternative Names: Leiomyoma; Fibromyoma; Myoma; Fibroids Symptoms: Sensation of fullness or pressure in lower abdomen Pelvic cramping or pain with periods Abdominal fullness, gas Increase in urinary frequency Heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia), sometimes with the passage of blood clots Sudden, severe pain due to a pedunculated fibroid Note: There are often no symptoms. Signs and tests: Text Continues Below A pelvic examination reveals an irregularly shaped, lumpy, or enlarged uterus. Frequently, this diagnosis is reliable. However, on occasion, diagnosis is difficult, especially in obese women. Fibroid tumors have been mistaken for ovarian tumors, inflammatory processes of the tubes, and pregnancy. A transvaginal ultrasound or pelvic ultrasound may be performed to confirm the findings. A D and C procedure or a pelvic laparoscopy may be necessary to rule out other, potentially malignant, conditions.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.