Options and alternatives for rapid growth mass/fibroid

Hi everyone.

I was just diagnosed last week with an 8.3 cm mass in the lower left area of my uterus. My doctor performed an ultrasound and said that she suspected it is was a fibroid. However, since the mass was not detected during my annual exam 8 months earlier she was concerned about the rapid growth of it. She sent me off to have a pelvic MRI to see what we were dealing with. The MRI results showed that the mass was not invading any other structure and indicated that it was most likely a fibroid. When discussing the test results with my doctor she had mentioned that due to my symptoms (urinary and bowel impact, pain, pressure, etc.) that a hysterectomy would probably be in my future.

I have a GYN surgeon consult on 1/27/09 to discuss the next step. I’m 32 and my mother had ongoing problems with endo and fibroids before having a hysterectomy in her early 50’s. Admittedly I’ve just started doing my research, but from what I’ve found it seems like a hysterectomy is usually recommended for cases like mine. Do I have many options other than a hysterectomy due to the size and rapid growth?

Thanks.

Hi Elo,

I too had fibroids and...they are not fun. My mom and two sisters also had fibroids and my sisters along with me had hysts.

At the time I was diagnosed, my fibroids measured 15 cm total. They had grown between two annual exams. Fibroids can be strange things. With some ladies, they can grow slower and with some...they can grow faster as in our cases.

My Dr. was at first concerned with the rapid growth of my fibroids, since that can be a characteristic of uterine fibroids being cancerous. When my Dr. told me that my heart stopped...and then right away he said that uterine fibroids are cancerous only 1% of the time. Generally, a hyst for fibroids is an elective surgery...for quality of life reasons. It was for me. With fibroids, I had pelvic pressure 24/7, bladder incontinence and very scary-heavy periods... not to mention no energy.

I might suggest you go to the *Hysterectomy Checkpoints* link at the top of the web site. Click on it and go to the *Pre-op* link and scroll down. It goes over the different types of hysts. Possibly you are a good candidate for a less invasive hyst such as a LAVH, a TVH, a LSH or the newer Da Vinci Robotic. In my case, I opted to do (3) months of lupron shots to shrink my fiborids enough for a less invasive hyst (LSH). My fibroids measured 9.1 cm total when I had my surgery. I am still pleased with my LSH results.

Also, you might ask your Dr. if you are a good candidate for a myomectomy or a UAE (Uterine Fibroid Embolization). A myomectomy is the removal of the fibroid(s) only and it leaves the uterus intact. Fibroids can possibly grow back and the myomectomy might be a good option. My sister had a myomectomy many years ago and she just had a hyst in 2007 for reoccurring fibroids. Also, the UAE is a procedure that helps to shrink fibroids. It might be a possibility too.

In the end....just do what is best for *you*. That is what is most important. Do all the research you can. Drs give us options and we make the final decision when it comes to our bodies.

We Hyster Sisters are here to help if we can.

Sending best wishes~

Mary

	Quote:
Originally Posted by elo Hi everyone. When discussing the test results with my doctor she had mentioned that due to my symptoms (urinary and bowel impact, pain, pressure, etc.) that a hysterectomy would probably be in my future.

Hello Elo,

I take it from your post that your doctor diagnosed you with a fibroid and stated that you would probably end up with a hysterectomy but did not discuss any other options with you???? Mmmhhh...sounds like hysterectomy scare tactics to me.

There are many other non-invasive and uterus-saving options to treat benign fibroids. Most women are able to live happy lives with such treatments.

It may all seem overwhelming but hang in there. The more you are educated about all your treatment options, the more you will be able to discuss the pros and cons of these options with your gyn. However, as I mentioned in my previous posting beware of some gyns who will dismiss uterus-saving treatment options. In those cases, you may want to get 2nd and 3rd opinions just to be sure.

Your mentioned your mom had endo but if this is not your case, and you have only one fibroid, there is no reason for you to have a hysterectomy without investigating other options first.

Best of luck to you.

Historylady - The big C was also thrown around by my doctor, which definitely scared the heck out of me! Thank goodness the MRI showed that there was no lymph node swelling and the blood tests were fine. Thanks so much for your kind words.

Ammuni - Thanks for pointing me to your other post regarding options. My doctor did mention that there were other options to consider if I was interested. I haven't been diagnosed with endometriosis per se as it was my understanding that the only way to get an accurate diagnosis is via Laparoscopy. I have often wondered though if this might be the case based on the ongoing symptoms I've had.

I've been trying to find out more about my family history in order to help me feel more prepared for my consult. I just found out from a relative that both my grandmother (paternal) and her sister had hysterectomies in their early 30's. She doesn't remember why they had them as she was only around 13 at the time. She's going to talk to them this evening to see if she can find out more about our family history. I don’t know how much, or if at all, this plays into my diagnosis but I figured it couldn’t hurt to know.

[quote=elo]
Ammuni - I haven't been diagnosed with endometriosis per se as it was my understanding that the only way to get an accurate diagnosis is via Laparoscopy. I have often wondered though if this might be the case based on the ongoing symptoms I've had.

I've been trying to find out more about my family history in order to help me feel more prepared for my consult. I just found out from a relative that both my grandmother (paternal) and her sister had hysterectomies in their early 30's. She doesn't remember why they had them as she was only around 13 at the time. QUOTE]

Hi Elo,

I only ever had fibroids so I'm unfamiliar with endo. Perhaps other women on this site can explain how they were diagnosed? I'm sure that this would be a factor in your decision-making. By the way, I think you are right, it is important for you to look at your family history. If your grandmother and her sisters had hysterectomies because of malignancy, then this too would influence your treatment decision.

On a side note, I believe in the fifties, sixties and seventies, there seemed to be a patriarchal view among gynecologists that a woman's uterus was of no use outside of childbearing, so many women had hysterectomies upon the recommendation of their gyns without necessarily needing one. Our rates of hysterectomy in the U.S. and in Canada continue to be astronomical compared to other developed nations. An good read and quite the eye opener, if you are ever interested, is called the "Hysterectomy Hoax" by Dr. Stanley West.

I'm just soooo glad that woman have other options today such as UAE, myomectomy, laparoscopic and hysteroscopic surgeries.

I really hope it all works out for you and whatever you decide, as long as you are informed, your decision will be right for you.

Ammuni

Hi ((elo))!

Considering your options is a good idea before scheduling any major surgery! When it comes to a hysterectomy some ladies will find a successful option and others will not. But until you explore your options you won't know if one will work for you or not!

Take a list of all of your questions and concerns to your upcoming appointment. While you are waiting for that appointment, keep a symptom journal detailing all that you are experiencing that needs addressed. This can help you and your doctor(s) decide which direction to take as some options may not address all of your needs.

If endometriosis comes up for you at all, be sure to learn all you can about the condition before making a final decision. Just because your mother had it does not mean that you will have though the chances of you having could be higher than if she didn't have it.

We do have a lot of information in our Resource Database that you might want to read through.

I wish you all the best for whatever is best for you!

My gyn stongly suspected endo with me based on my history, etc. It was officially diagnosed after a diagnostic lap before I had an ablation in 2004. It is not able to be seen on ultrasound. It looks like you are getting great advice here. Just make sure you are comfortable and are aware of all your options. The Resource Database is great that Weiser mentioned!! Best wishes to you!

Thank you everyone for such kind and helpful words! I just got a call and there was a cancellation so I now have a consult appointment for tomorrow morning. I'm relieved that I don't have to wait a couple more weeks, but of course, I'm also really nervous.

I love insurance companies by the way. They've decided not to cover one of the blood tests (the most expensive one of course) that my doctor orderded. Something about not being medically necessary. Geez.