Uterine fibroids can become calcified as they age andstart to degenerate.
The calcification may occur along the edges of the tumor or involve the entire tumor.
Treatment options range from prescription medications to hysterectomy.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
This article explains the symptoms, causes, and complications of calcified fibroids.
It also describes how fibroids are diagnosed, treated, and managed.
The types and severity of symptoms can vary based on the size and location of the tumor.
For example, a large fibroid that compresses the bladder or colon can cause urination or bowel problems.
Common symptoms of calcified fibroids include:
Can Calcified Fibroids Cause Problems?
Some calcified fibroids can lead to potentially serious complications if left untreated.
This is true whether you have symptoms or not.
The fibroids can also cause pregnancy complications.
Possible complications of fibroids include:
Can Fibroids Cause Cancer?
Fibroids are not cancerous and do not increase the risk of uterine cancer.
What Causes Calcified Fibroids?
Fibroids can become calcified as they age and start to degenerate.
Calcification takes place in the end stages of a fibroids life cycle.
Calcification is sometimes a pathological process (meaning one associated with diseases, such asatherosclerosisandkidney stones).
Who Is at Risk for Calcified Fibroids?
Fibroids rarely appear before the start ofmenses(menstruation)and often subside aftermenopause.
Despite what some people think, high amounts of calcium in your diet do not cause calcification.
Calcification in soft tissues can occur no matter how much or little calcium you have in your blood.
Hormone Therapy
Gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRH) have also been used in the treatment of fibroids.
Surgery
Calcified fibroids can be removed usingmyomectomyorhysterectomy, two surgical procedures.
Hysterectomies can be either performed laparoscopically or with traditionalopen surgery.
If you have fibroids and do not have symptoms, your doctor may decide to monitor you over time.
If your fibroids have calcified, you may require surgery or another treatment method.
Coping
Living with calcified fibroids can be difficult if they are causing symptoms.
Having chronic pain can affect your mental state and interfere with your daily life.
Talk to your doctor about any concerns.
There are more options now than there ever have been.
Summary
Calcified fibroids are noncancerous uterine tumors that have degenerated.
Fibroids usually calcify at the end of their life cycle.
This typically occurs after menopause.
They may cause pain and other symptoms and can be treated with drugs, nonsurgical procedures, or surgery.
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