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Greater uterine fibroid, embolization awareness needed
Fifty-seven percent of U.S. women do not think they are at risk for developing uterine fibroids, according to a recently released survey commissioned by the Society of Interventional Radiology.
The poll also revealed that 44% of women have never heard of uterine fibroid embolization, the procedure that the Society reported is a less invasive measure to treat their fibroids.
Therefore, the Society urges primary care physicians to discuss uterine fibroids and embolization as a treatment option with their patients.
“Primary care physicians can often be the first to suspect fibroids as the source of a woman’s symptoms. Educating patients about their risks, as well as potential treatment options, can ensure more women successfully treat their fibroids,” James Spies, MD, MPH, FSIR, professor of radiology at Georgetown University and physician adviser to the Society of Interventional Radiology, told Healio Family Medicine. “Primary care physicians are a trusted source of unbiased information for patients and have an important role in ensuring that the patient has the opportunity to consider all options.”
“Women who are experiencing uterine pain or pressure, heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, or abdominal enlargement - primary care providers should be talking with these patients about uterine fibroids as a potential source of their symptoms,” he continued.
According to the Society, uterine fibroid embolization involves a tiny incision made in the skin through which a medical professional uses a catheter supplying tiny plastic particles such to block the blood vessels leading to the fibroids, causing them to disappear or shrink.
The group reported that for many patients, uterine fibroid embolization is often a same-day, less invasive procedure where patients return their normal activities in about 2 weeks, which is less time than other surgical treatments such as hysterectomies. Patients who undergo uterine fibroid embolization also typically experience less pain and fewer complications than those who undergo hysterectomies for their uterine fibroids.
Further, women who undergo the less invasive method have the potential to improve their sex lives, are not likely to experience the onset of menopause, and are at no greater risk for developing cancer.
“The fact that so many women are unaware of this well-established treatment is alarming and must change. This change begins with physicians who have the ability and obligation to inform their patients of all available treatment options,” according to the Society of Interventional Radiology’s report.
“It is essential that health care providers present their patients with all the treatment options available,” Spies said in the report. “By working together, and using each other’s expertise and knowledge base, we can ensure that patients are getting the care that is best for them.”
Though office visits are not finite, he still encouraged primary care physicians to find time to discuss the topic with patients.
“The effects of uterine fibroids can be severe. While the symptoms may not be easy to ignore — including heavy bleeding that can cause menorrhagia and uterine pain — patients may delay seeking help because of misperceptions about treatments,” Spies said. “Many of these patients will develop iron deficiency anemia, which can become severe and have a marked impact on health status and quality of life. Knowing and understanding minimally invasive treatment options, such as uterine fibroid embolization, may help encourage women to seek treatment for their fibroids.”
Other potential treatments for uterine fibroids remain in development.
Allergan announced earlier this year it expected to file a new drug application for ulipristal acetate for treatment of the abnormal bleeding associated with uterine fibroids during 2017 and Abbvie announced that a phase 2b clinical trial has shown that Elagolix, with and without the add-back therapy of estradiol/norethindrone acetate, met the primary efficacy endpoint of reducing heavy menstrual bleeding in women with uterine fibroids. – by Janel Miller
Reference:
Uterine fibroids: Fibroid embolization. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279533/ Accessed Aug. 28, 2017.
Disclosure: Healio Family Medicine was unable to determine researchers’ relevant disclosures prior to publication.