Dear Dr Parker,

I am a forty year old female living in Australia and recently tests have shown that I have a very large fibroid growing on the Uterus Muscle. The fibroid is 17.5cm X 16.3cm X 6.8cm. I am worried that so far most have the notion that I would require a full hysterectomy in order to remove the mass. About four years ago I had GBS and now suffer from chronic fatigue and I am scared about having a hysterectomy. Have you removed fibroids this large from woman without the need of a full hysterectomy? I look forward to your reply…

Kind Regards

D.

D.

Yes, a fibroid this size can be removed by abdominal myomectomy with a bikini type incision. I have removed even larger fibroids this way. A hysterectomy is not necessary.

Bill Parker, MD

Is it possible to build up hemoglobin enough to be able to just wait and watch fibroids. My hemoglobin was 6.6 and is now 7.5 from taking iron supplements. My uterus is 6 times normal size with one fibroid the size of a softball, and numerous others. My doctor is strongly recommending a laparoscopic hysterectomy. I just found your website today, and it is the most helpful and informative site I’ve found. Thank you for your help.

-Cynthia

You did not say, but I assume the anemia is from heavy menstrual bleeding due to the fibroids. If so, it is unlikely that you will be able to correct the anemia because you will be losing blood every month. However, there are many other ways to help you other than hysterectomy. Depending on the size, number and positions of the fibroids, hysteroscopic myomectomy, laparoscopic/robotic myomectomy, endometrial ablation, abdominal myomectomy, or uterine artery embolization are alternatives. Myomectomy is always possible and should work just fine. You should discuss these options with your doctor, or consider getting a second opinion. Also, take a look at these web pages regarding alternatives;
http://www.fibroidsecondopinion.com/laparoscopic-myomectomy/
http://www.fibroidsecondopinion.com/abdominal-myomectomy/
http://www.fibroidsecondopinion.com/hysteroscopic-myomectomy/

Bill Parker, MD