Keith Reisler, MD, provides extensive OBGYN service at his private practice in Plano, TX. The Wall Street Journal recently interviewed Dr. Keith Reisler for his expertise in the treatment of fibroid tumors.
Fibroids are also known as fibromas, uterine myomas, leiomyomas, or simply myomas. They are tumors made up of fibrous connective tissue and smooth muscle cells that grow in the uterus. There can be a single tumor or many. The female estrogen hormone, and perhaps progesterone, seem to play a role in their growth. They range in size from apple seed to grapefruit, and in rare cases, even larger.
Fibroid tumors are usually non-cancerous. By the time women reach the age of 50, as many as 80 percent will have developed fibroids. While some women will have no symptoms at all, others may experience frequent urination, pelvic pain, pain during intercourse, prolonged or heavy menstrual periods, infertility, and difficult bowel movement.
Treatments include simple observation, anti-hormonal agents, uterine artery embolization, myomectomy, gonadtropin-releasing hormone agonist, and hysterectomy, which can usually be done with minimally invasive surgery.
Dr. Reisler points out that when appropriate, gynecologists should be open to suggesting referrals if they are not certain or trained in specific procedures.
