22 Jul Uterine Fibroids: Weill Cornell Radiologist Discusses Implications and Treatment Options
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Lamparello
Nicole Lamparello, M.D
Interventional Radiologist
Assistant Professor of Radiology
Weill Cornell Medicine
Assistant Attending Radiologist
NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medicine
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? Would you briefly describe the condition of Uterine Fibroids?
Response: A uterine fibroid (leiomyoma) is a type of tumor that grows in the uterus.. Most fibroids are benign growths that do not spread to other regions of the body. However, fibroids can cause a variety of symptoms that severely impact a woman’s quality of life, including pelvic pressure or pain, heavy menstrual bleeding, abdominal bloating, urinary urgency/retention and infertility.
Often, women with uterine fibroids are presented with hysterectomy as a treatment option, and are not informed about less-invasive options, such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE), a non-surgical procedure performed by an interventional radiologist.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: The survey found that among women diagnosed with uterine fibroids, more than half (53%) were presented with hysterectomy as a primary treatment option, while fewer than 1 in 5 (20%) were presented with other less invasive options such as over-the-counter NSAIDs (19%), uterine fibroid embolization (17%), oral contraceptives (17%), and endometrial ablation (17%). Moreover, 1 in 4 aged 18-34 (27%) think hysterectomy is the only treatment option.
The survey also demonstrates a lack of awareness among women regarding uterine fibroids. Nearly three-fourths of women (72%) do not know they are at risk for developing uterine fibroids despite recent literature suggesting that up to 77% of adult women will develop fibroids at some point in their life. Fibroids also disproportionately affect women of color with Black women having the highest incidence.
MedicalResearch.com: Please describe the uterine fibroid embolization procedure, benefits and potential complications.
Response: UFE is a minimally invasive, image-guided, non-surgical, outpatient treatment for uterine fibroids that is performed by an interventional radiologist. The doctor inserts a small catheter into an artery at the groin or wrist and guides it to the uterine arteries, the fibroid’s blood supply. Small particles, about the size of grains of sand, are injected into the uterine arteries to block the blood supply to the fibroid, depriving it of nutrients. As a result, the fibroid shrinks and dies, improving the associated symptoms.
UFE is less painful and has a shorter recovery period than surgical options. The treatment is often just as effective as other uterine fibroid treatments and does not require the complete removal of the uterus. After treatment, women generally can leave the hospital the same day and be back to their normal activities in about one week. Studies show that nearly 90% patients who undergo uterine fibroid embolization experience significant or complete resolution of their symptoms.
The risks associated with UFE include bleeding, infection at the incision site, or adverse reactions to the imaging agents used during the treatment. There is a small risk of inducing menopause, especially in women over 45 years of age. While all medical procedures carry a risk of complications, UFE has lower risk compared to a hysterectomy, which is a major surgical procedure with potential complications associated with anesthesia, infection, bleeding, and damage to surrounding organs.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: The survey findings, coupled with the low number of women who were offered a minimally invasive treatment like UFE, indicate that women are not being given all of the information they need to make their own healthcare decisions. Our survey also noted deep disparities in awareness and access regarding fibroids and fibroid treatments among Black and Hispanic women, who have a higher risk factor for developing uterine fibroids.
No disclosures
Citation:
SIR Patient Resource on Uterine Fibroids Includes National Survey Results on Patient Awareness
July 2024
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Last Updated on August 2, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD