Q: Can fibroids turn into cancer?

Fibroids are almost always benign (not cancerous). Rarely (less than one in 1,000) a cancerous fibroid will occur. This is called leiomyosarcoma. Doctors think that these cancers do not arise from an already-existing fibroid. Having fibroids does not increase the risk of developing a cancerous fibroid. Having fibroids also does not increase a woman's chances of getting other forms of cancer in the uterus.

Q: What if I become pregnant and have fibroids?

Asymptomatic small or medium sized fibroids alone are unlikely to present significant risk to pregnancy. However, fibroids may increase in size as a result of increased levels of hormones and blood flow to the uterus during pregnancy. The growth of fibroids may cause discomfort, feelings of pressure, or pain. Additionally, large or multiple fibroids can increase the risk of:

• Cesarean section
  The risk of needing a c-section is six times greater for women with fibroids. Breech Presentation- The baby is positioned with its legs down and head up rather than the head down.
• Placental abruption
  The placenta breaks away from the wall of the uterus before delivery. When this happens, the fetus may not receive oxygen.
• Preterm delivery
  Talk to your obstetrician if you have fibroids and become pregnant. All obstetricians have experience dealing with fibroids and pregnancy. Most women who have fibroids and become pregnant do not need to see an OB who deals with high-risk pregnancies.

Q: Could my fibroids come back after the treatment?

Although this treatment may be successful in destroying the fibroids causing painful symptoms, at a later time, more fibroids may grow, become symptomatic and require additional treatment. This is true for all fibroid treatments, except hysterectomy where the entire uterus is removed.

Q: What are the benefits of Uterine Fibroid Embolization?

• Effective alternative to surgery and hormonal treatment
• Completely non-invasive - no surgery and no blood loss
• Minimal hospital stay
• Quick return to normal activities
• Preserves the uterus, cervix and ovaries
• Significant improvement in your quality of life
  • decrease in menstrual bleeding from symptomatic fibroids
  • decrease in urinary dysfunction, pelvic pain and/or pressure