Can fibroids turn into cancer?

Fibroids are usually 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.

What if I become pregnant and have fibroids?

Women who have fibroids are more likely to have problems during pregnancy and delivery. This doesn’t mean there will be problems. Most women with fibroids have normal pregnancies. The most common problems seen in women with fibroids are:

• Cesarean section. The risk of needing a C-section is six times greater for women with fibroids.
• Baby is breech. The baby is not positioned well for vaginal delivery.
• Labor fails to progress.
• Placental abruption. The placenta breaks away from the wall of the uterus before delivery. When this happens, the fetus does not get enough oxygen.
• Preterm delivery.

What questions should I ask my doctor if I have fibroids?

⦁ How many fibroids do I have?

⦁ What size is my fibroid(s)?

⦁ Can I expect the fibroid(s) to grow larger?

⦁ How rapidly have they grown (if they were known about already)?

⦁ How will I know if the fibroid(s) is growing larger?

⦁ What problems can the fibroid(s) cause?

⦁ What tests or imaging studies are best for keeping track of the growth of my fibroids?

I will be talking about other such issue in the upcoming blog. Stay connected.