QuestionQUESTION: I am a 48 year woman and I was sent by my PCM to a gynecologist because I have frequent urination and some leaking. My gynecologist examined me a said that my uterus was enlarged and sent me for a sonogram. The sonogram result read as follows:
Findings: Transabdominal evaluation demonstrates uterus is normal in size. Endometrial stripe measures about 3mm. There is a 4cm lesion in the uterus adjacent to the endometrium most consistent with a fibroid, however follow up is recommended. Right ovary is normal and is normal arterial flow. Left ovary is not visualized. No Free fluid. Impression: Uterine fibroid.
My questions: 1. What does this mean? 2. Is a 4cm lesion big? 3. Where exactly is the lesion? 4. Does a lesion grows and shrink frequently? 5. Can you tell how has this lesion has been growing from it's size? If yes, how long have I had this lesion?
ANSWER: lesion means something abnormal-specifically a fibroid in this setting. Fibroid means a muscular growth off the uterus (which is also a muscle). Fibroids are incredibly common and that isn't too big, a little bigger than a golfball. Those findings do not help explain the urinary symptoms though. Basically, the ultrasound doesn't really provide much useful information. You can't tell how long it has been there and it probably is not changing in size. As you approach menopause, they tend to shrink somewhat. Unless it was causing symptom- pain, heavy bleeding, it is generally left alone.
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QUESTION: Thanks. You mentioned that the ultrasound doesn't reall provide much useful information, would an MRI provide better info on this situation?
The only changes I have noticed was that I never had any symptoms with my menstrual cycle, but for the last 7 years I get mild cramping, mild lower back pain and pain in my hip and thigh before and during my menstrual cycle.
I also have not used birth control for over 15 years, and my husband and I have a very active (4-9 times a week) sex life, and I have not gotten pregnant, not once. Could this be the reason why I haven't gotten pregnant? Would having the tumor removed, increase my chances of getting pregnant?
Answerwell, I was applying it to your symptoms of incontinence and frequency. As far as working that condition up, an MRI wouldn't help much. The question is, has your bladder "dropped" meaning have the suspending muscles weakened and might need tightening or do you have a twitchy bladder that might be helped with the incontinence medicines.....
That is a pretty small fibroid in the big picture and it probably isn't causing any problems, infertility included. So removing it wouldn't benefit anything. If you are interested in pregnancy, then there are a lot of other things to be tested/looked at before you even consider the fibroid.
