Because I need to vent...

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Everything you ever wanted to know about tumors. And then some.

So I've written a lot about my tumor, lovingly named Ted, but I've never actually given a "medical" description of what I have. So I figured I might put some info out there, just because.  Ted is what is known as a leimyoma, more commonly called a uterine fibroid.
Fibroid tumors in themselves are not all that uncommon- I will however add that its never really a "good" thing to have a mass of non-function hysterically reproducing  cells anywhere in your body.  Normally the typical fibroid tumor occurs in the "older" (I use that term vaguely and in a non-offensive manner) female, generally those who have already had children, and more often than not, those approaching menopause. Fibroid tumors can occur in just about any size, ranging from barely visible (small pea) to massive (basketball size).
Generally IF they are seen in women younger than 30, they are VERY small, and are non-symptomatic (I'll explain the symptoms in a moment).
At this point it helps to know a little about the uterus: uterus's have 3 layers.

The endometrium on the inside of the uterus (this is the very vascular tissue that prepares for implantation by the ovvum once a month and sheds off = monthly visitor) the myeometrium- the middle layer that is very muscular- its this part of the uterus that is the "work horse" of contractions during labor. And then there is the Para and Perimetrium- the 2 outer layers that surround and cushion the uterus ( basically).
A tumor generally grows in 1 of these 3 layers. If it grows in the endometrium, you get a perdunculated fibroid- think of almost like a tennis ball in a sock. The weight of the tumor pulls itself down, and the attachment can be "clipped" fairly easily and removed laproscopically. These tumors are well contained and generally do not bleed excessively. Then there are tumors that grow in the myeometrium- This tumors are meaty, and erode away the muscle. They tend to be bigger and cause a lot of complications. Then there are tumors that grow in the Peri/Parametrium- these tend to again be smaller and easier to remove, although problematic.

VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY rarely, these "fibroids" turn cancerous and become whats known as a leimyosarcoma- its almost always fatal and IF it gets caught early enough, a radical hysterectomy is needed. Its a VERY aggressive form of cancer.
So the symptoms of a fibroid depend a lot based on where the tumor is growing from.  Typical symptoms are: heavy periods, blood clots, anemia (from the clots), pain, nausea, vomiting, back ache, urinary retention and/or frequency, and gynecological hemorrhage.  
So here is where Ted gets complicated. Ted is a myoleimyoma. Hes growing in the myeometrium (muscle). Problem is that ted is growing in such a way that it is stretching (and threatening to tear) the endometrium (VERY vascular)= the gynecological hemorrhage they mentioned. In fact there is less than a sheet of paper  thickness at this point seperating me from rupture and hemorrhage. Next problem is is that the "erosion" as you might call it, on the endometrium creates scar tissue. Scar tissue= lots of trouble having babies. NEXT problem (as if I dont have enough) is that Ted is "irritating" my intestines, because now that it cant push "inwards" and further its now started stretching the peri/parametrium and is bulging outwards. NEXT problem is, this nasty bulging is creating a visible bump, and also creating fluid on my abdomen.  NEXT problem is: Ted is awfully close to my fallopian tube, which the docs are afraid may be damaged by association. Great. Ted made friends with my fallopian tube and now its been "corrupted'. Shit. Next problem, and most recent of which is that Ted also seems to be putting pressure on my vagus nerve, which is resulting in my DRASTIC drops in blood pressure. SO. There you have it. The Medical IN/OUTS of Ted. And here is a picture of Ted: look for the cross hairs. Thats him. He's about the size of an orange.

2 comments:

Mollie said...

My goodness Helen. Thanks for this post, Ted and I have been officially introduced. So sorry that you are having to go through this, I'll be praying for your health. <3

Mrs. Lawler said...

Shiza. Ted needs to pack up and hit the road!