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Uterine fibroids: common and benign
Although not life-threatening, they can impact activity

by Health Library

Uterine fibroids are the most common tumor found in the human body yet may be the least understood. The cause of these tumors is unknown, yet is estimated that as many as one in four American women have uterine fibroids.

Also called leiomyomas or myomas, fibroids are benign growths of the muscle inside the uterus. They are not cancerous, nor are they related to cancer. They are not life-threatening, but they certainly can be life-changing.

Many fibroids are small and do not cause noticeable symptoms. But when they do, fibroids can cause pain, heavy bleeding, infertility and emotional distress. In the past, women were often offered one option for treating fibroids — hysterectomy. Today there are many more choices available. The books described below provide information to help women better understand and find ways to cope with this common condition.

When Johanna Skilling was diagnosed with fibroids, she was disappointed to get few answers to her many questions. She decided to write a book to provide much- needed information and support for others in the same situation. She has, in fact, now written two excellent books for women with fibroids.

The first book, "Fibroids: The Complete Guide to Taking Charge of Your Physical, Emotional and Sexual Well-Being" (Marlowe and Company, 2006, with Eileen Hoffman), originally published in 2000, is now in its second edition. The second, "The First Year — Fibroids: An Essential Guide for the Newly Diagnosed," with Nelson Stringer, was published in 2002. Skilling clearly wants women with fibroids to know they are not alone.

"Fibroids" clearly explains just what fibroids are, describes symptoms that women with fibroids experience and its impact on their sense of identity. The presence of fibroids can affect sexuality, fertility and pregnancy. Skilling addresses these topics with sensitivity and an upbeat attitude. In addition, the full range of diagnostic methods and treatment options, from both conventional and alternative medical perspectives, are examined. The impact of diet and nutrition on fibroids and the mind-body connection are included, too.

"The First Year — Fibroids" takes a different approach. Aimed at women with a recent diagnosis of fibroids, this book covers many of the same topics as the first, in a format that reflects a year in time. The first chapters cover the first week after diagnosis, day by day. Each day is divided into two aspects of experience: living and learning.

For example: Day Three Living is entitled "Take inventory of your lifestyle." Day Three Learning is called "What are the symptoms of fibroids?" The next four chapters represent weeks, and the 11 following represent months. It is both a clever and practical vehicle for conveying important information to help women.

Another terrific book for women with fibroids is "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Fibroids: New Techniques and Therapies — including Breakthrough Alternatives to Hysterectomy" (Warner Books, 2005, with David Drum). The authors, Scott C. Goodwin, M.D., a pioneer in fibroid embolization therapy, and Michael Broder, M.D., well-known for his research in fibroids, are both on staff at the UCLA School of Medicine. This book is especially valuable, because it takes a scientific, evidence-based approach as it examines the range of fibroid treatments, including watchful waiting, diet and exercise, drug therapy, surgical procedures and alternative medicine. An interesting chapter discusses Uterine Arterial Embolization (UAE or UFE) in detail. This is a promising less-invasive procedure performed by interventional radiologists. By cutting off blood flow to the uterine arteries, UAE can shrink fibroids and reduce bleeding significantly.

Readers interested in learning more about treating fibroids with UAE will be the subject of a Stanford Health Library Community Lecture on Jan. 31. David Hovsepian, M.D., professor of radiology and an expert on UAE, will be speaking at Tresidder Union on the Stanford Campus at 7 p.m. To register, call 650-498-7826.

The Stanford Health Library offers many more resources for women with fibroids. On the Internet, you can go to healthlibrary.stanford.edu to find information from reliable sources. You can also visit the library, make a telephone call or send an e-mail to receive research assistance and information packets prepared free of charge.

Branches are located at the Stanford Shopping Center near Bloomingdales'; on the third floor of Stanford Hospital or on the main level of Stanford's new Cancer Center. The Health Library telephone is 650-725-8400. If you have access to the Internet, visit healthlibrary.stanford.edu or send an e-mail to healthlibrary@stanfordmed.org.