UTERINE FIBROIDS
Uterine artery embolization
Tumors in the uterus, known as fibroids, are surprisingly
common.
✦
In fact, they are the most common non-
cancerous tumors in premenopausal women, reports
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the National Institutes of Health
(NIH). They grow in the muscle
of the womb—on the outside or
inside of the uterus wall or within
the wall itself.
Glendale Adventist Medical
Center (GAMC) interventional
radiologists Chadi Chahin, MD,
and Dennis Son, MD, have been
treating fibroids using minimally
invasive techniques, such as uter-
ine artery embolization, for years.
“Though they are almost never
cancerous, fibroids can be pain-
ful and disruptive,” explains Dr.
Chahin. “Fortunately, we offer
treatments that can help.”
SYMPTOMS
In many cases, fi-
broids don’t cause symptoms and
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call (818) 409-8100.
Dennis Son, MD
might not require treatment. But
about percent of women be-
tween the ages of and have
symptoms, according to the NIH.
Symptoms of fibroids include:
●
Longer, more frequent or
heavier menstrual cycles.
●
Bleed-
ing between menstrual cycles.
●
Pain or pressure in the lower
back or belly.
●
Constipation.
●
Difficult or frequent urination.
GET RELIEF
Effective therapies for
treating fibroids include:
Uterine artery embolization
(UAE).
“UAE is a minimally inva-
sive, non-surgical option that has
been performed by interventional
radiologists for many years,” says Dr.
Son. “It has a percent success rate
in controlling fibroid symptoms.”
During the procedure, tiny par-
ticles are injected into the blood
vessels of the uterus, blocking the
blood supply and causing the fi-
broids to shrink.
UAE reduces the chance that
fibroids will develop in the future
and is a highly effective option for
women who wish to avoid surgery.
There is a small risk that UAE
will cause early menopause or raise
the risk of miscarriage, so it may
not be the best choice for women
who still want to get pregnant.
Medications.
Over-the-counter
drugs, such as ibuprofen or acet-
aminophen, may relieve mild pain.
Prescription hormones, includ-
ing birth control pills, may help
lessen bleeding. But they can some-
times cause fibroids to grow larger.
Hormone-blocking drugs can
stop periods and shrink fibroids.
But they may cause side effects
similar to menopause, so they are
typically used for six months or less.
Myomectomy.
With this sur-
gery, the gynecologist removes
fibroids but leaves healthy muscle
intact. It is possible for new fibroids
to grow after the surgery.
If other treatments fail or if fi-
broids are very large, hysterectomy
(removal of the uterus) may be
necessary. The surgery will cure fi-
broids. But it’s not a viable option for
women who wish to have children.
Chadi Chahin, MD
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All major insurances
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AAA CLASSES
OFFERED AT GAMC
Dare to Prepare
A free driving pre-permit
workshop for teens and their
parents on what to know
before driving.
Tuesday, April 21,
6 to 8:15 PM,
GAMC Main Auditorium
Child Passenger Safety
Comes First!
This workshop provides
information about how to
select the right seat for your
child, how to correctly secure
your child in a seat and car
seat installation tips.
Tuesday, April 14,
6 to 7:30 PM,
GAMC Main Auditorium
To RSVP, please call
(714) 885-2312
.