Re: Myomectomy - fibroid recurrence statistics?

December 9, 2002

,

I've heard from gyno's that 50% of patients will see fibroids return after a

5 year period and 30% of patients will see fibroids return 3 years post

myo(my statistic didn't list if the returning fibroids were symptomatic or

not.) The probable reason for the higher incidence of fibroids returning

post myo is usually there are " fibroid seedlings " which didn't grow because

the primary fibroids were " using up " the estrogen. After myo the seedlings

will have better access to estrogen and can grow.

Myomectomy - fibroid recurrence statistics?

Hi! I'm in the middle of the big decision about what to do about my

fibroids, and have really appreciated everyone posting their experiences and

answering questions. My current question is - I know that fibroids can come

back after a myomectomy - what percentage of the time does that happen? And

if fibroids are going to come back, how soon is that likely to happen? And

how soon are they likely to need treatment again? I'm trying to figure out

how much " symptom-free " time I'm likely to get from a myomectomy. I've been

surfing and looking for some statistics, but haven't had much luck finding

anything. I'm 36 and have multiple fibroids, the largest at about 8.6 cm.

Thank you!

December 9, 2002

You're going to get a slanted view to answer your question here.

People who have myomectomies and don't have them come back don't

spend too much time answering posts on fibroid message boards. My

doctor was SHOCKED when mine came back less than a year post myo -

said he'd never seen them come back so fast. I've had problems of

late, but apparently I can't blame them on the fibroids this time -

so even though I have a few fibroids that are back now 2 years later

they are not doing anything where they have to be taken out. Oh - I

was 37 when I had mine taken out - and had five the biggest being 8

cm, a 6 cm one, a grape sized one and the two were smallest green

pea sized - you'd think that would mean all the babies were removed -

oh well.

When I was looking around on boards before my myomectomy I never

saw - or noticed anyway - people have fibroids come back (actually

new ones). But, of the people that had myomectomies about the same

time as me on these boards - more have had them come back than not

(but not all have symptoms).

> Hi! I'm in the middle of the big decision about what to do about

my fibroids, and have really appreciated everyone posting their

experiences and answering questions. My current question is - I

know that fibroids can come back after a myomectomy - what

percentage of the time does that happen? And if fibroids are going

to come back, how soon is that likely to happen? And how soon are

they likely to need treatment again? I'm trying to figure out how

much " symptom-free " time I'm likely to get from a myomectomy. I've

been surfing and looking for some statistics, but haven't had much

luck finding anything. I'm 36 and have multiple fibroids, the

largest at about 8.6 cm. Thank you!

>

December 9, 2002

I had my myo done when I was 20. 10 years later the fibroids have grown

back.

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December 10, 2002

Hi ,

I had a successful myo in March this year but unfortunately, I now

have 5 new fibroids. I'm 42. I had really hoped to make it 3 or 4

years before having to even think about undergoing treatment

again. But I didn't make it that far.

I probably would not have even noticed the new ones if it weren't

for bleeding problems. The new fibroids are all intramural and

according to a recent mri, located in the lower third of the uterus.

I'm now pursuing UAE/UFE as a treatment option.

I am really glad I had my myo in March. The largest of the fibroids

was 19cms and thankfully its now gone. I feel alot lighter (and

look alot thinner!!) and my emotional state has greatly improved

as a direct result of the surgery. Given the size, location, type and

symptoms at that time, myo was definitely the best way for me to

go.

Each decision for treatment is so personal and dependent on

your symptoms, etc. I guess what I am trying to say is, look at

where you are now and what your options are. If you have

regrowth in the future, address the possible treatment options

from a completely new view point at that time.

What worked last time for me, is not appropriate this time

around so I am approaching this new round of fibroids from a

new perspective and once again re-reviewing all of the available

options.

Best wishes,

PS I know regrowth is a major concern. But even with the growth

of new fibroids, the decision making process still always comes

down to: symptoms, size, location, type, treatment options,

ramifications of surgery (disability, time off, help at home, etc)

doctors' experience, and insurance.

My current question is - I know that fibroids can come back after

a myomectomy - what percentage of the time does that happen?

And if fibroids are going to come back, how soon is that likely to

happen? And how soon are they likely to need treatment again?

>

December 11, 2002

Hi,

I have to say regarding your statement myos should be reserved for those still

seeking to give birth I have to disagree (not that I'm any sort of expert by any

means). I'm 40 with a 17-18cm fibroid and with all the research I've done I

can't find any procedure that will deal with the fibroid better than a myo. I

don't think UAE will shrink it enough to satisfy me given it's size. And I

haven't found any other treatment that will get rid of it. Unfortunately I don't

think there are many procedures or treatments available at all. When I told my

last gyn I wanted a myo, she told me it was a procedure only for women in their

twenties who desired children. I did a lot of research and (besides finding out

that doctor was full of crap) found out that myos are actually more successful

on women over 40 than younger women. The statistic I kept coming across on

recurrence was only 10-15% of women who have had myos ever need a 2nd surgery

and the rate was lower for women over 45 than younger women ( closer to

menapause). The fact that gyns are telling women that myos are only for women

who desire children and exaggerating the possibilty of future sugery is a big

reason for so many hysterectomys.

Just my opinion. As I said, I'm definately no expert.

DD

Lyzen wrote:There has suddenly been a lot of

discussion on this subject. I am new at this, but from what I have recently

learned, myomectomy only addresses the present situation with fibroids, and does

nothing to prevent future ones. This is likely the largest reason I can find,

with all the procedures and treatment available, that myomectomy should be

reserved for those patients still seeking to give child birth. I would suspect

at 20, this was the best option available to you, even though your fibroids have

returned.

December 12, 2002

There has suddenly been a lot of discussion on this subject. I am new at this,

but from what I have recently learned, myomectomy only addresses the present

situation with fibroids, and does nothing to prevent future ones. This is