Myoma: A Mysterious Lump in the Womb That Often Goes Unnoticed

Have Friends of Hermina ever felt lower abdominal pain that won't go away? Or do you experience bleeding during menstruation that is heavier than usual? If yes, maybe Hermina's friends need to be wary of myoma. These small lumps that grow in the uterus often do not cause symptoms, but if left untreated, they can interfere with daily activities and even cause serious complications.

Myoma, also known as uterine fibroids or uterine leiomyoma, is a benign tumor that grows on the wall of the uterus. This tumor originates from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus. Myomas can grow to various sizes, from the size of a pea to the size of a softball. Even though myomas are called tumors, myomas are benign and do not have the potential to become cancer.

Types of Myoma

Based on their location, myomas can be divided into several types:

• Intramural: Grows within the muscular wall of the uterus. This is the most common type of myoma.
• Subserosal: Grows on the outside of the uterus.
• Submucosal: Grows in the inner lining of the uterus. This type often causes heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Stemmed: Subserosal myoma that has a stalk and can move freely.

Reason:

Until now the exact cause of myoma is not known for certain. However, several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of myomas include:

• Age: Women aged 30-50 years are more at risk of developing myoma.
• Genetics: A family history of myoma may increase the risk.
• Estrogen hormone: One thing that plays an important role in the growth of myomas is the hormone estrogen.
• Obesity: Being overweight can increase the risk of myomas.

Symptom:

Not all myomas cause symptoms. However, if a myoma grows large enough or is in a strategic location, it can cause symptoms such as:

• Menstrual bleeding that is heavier and lasts longer
• Lower abdominal pain
• Pressure on the bladder or intestines
• Back pain
• Anemia due to too much blood loss
• Infertility

Complications

If not treated properly, myoma can cause various complications, such as:

• Miscarriage: Myoma can also interfere with embryo implantation or fetal growth, putting Hermina's friends at risk of miscarriage.
• Premature labor: Uterine contractions can occur excessively and trigger premature labor in Hermina's friends who have myoma.
• Placental abruption: The detachment of the placenta from the uterine wall before delivery.
• Postnatal bleeding: Myomas can cause difficulty in uterine contractions after delivery, thereby increasing the risk of bleeding.
• Anemia: Myoma can trigger excessive menstrual bleeding, which can cause anemia.

Myoma Diagnosis

To diagnose myoma, the doctor will perform several examinations, including:

• Physical examination: The doctor will perform a pelvic examination to feel for any lumps in the uterus.
• Ultrasonography (USG): Ultrasound is an imaging examination that uses sound waves to produce images of organs in the body. In this case, ultrasound is used to measure the size, number, and location of myomas.
• Hysterosalpingography (HSG): HSG is a procedure that uses X-rays to examine the uterus and fallopian tubes.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI provides more detailed images of the uterus and pelvic organs than ultrasound.
• Hysteroscopy: A minor surgical procedure that uses a thin instrument with a lens to look directly into the uterus.

Prevention:

There is no definite way to prevent myoma. However, several things you can do to reduce the risk include:

• Maintain ideal body weight
• Exercise regularly.
• Eating healthy and nutritious food
• Managing stress

Conclusion

Myoma is a common condition in women, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, myoma can be managed well. If Hermina Friends experience symptoms that suggest myoma, immediately consult a gynecologist at Hermina Sukabumi Hospital to get the right diagnosis and treatment.

 

 

 

Referensi:

1. Sohn, G. et al. (2018). Current Medical Treatment of Uterine Fibroids. Obstetrics & Gynecology Science, 61(2), pp. 192–201.

National Health Service UK (2018). Health A to Z. Fibroids.