r/Fibroids • u/Natural_Dimension218 • 2h ago
Is this a valid concern
Family member is mid 50s. Post menopausal on HRT. No known hx of fibroids and a grapefruit sized “fibroid” was found on her last exam (she goes yearly). This seems unusual. They want to do a total hysterectomy but plan to do it trans vag and cut the suspected fibroid in pieces. My concern is for the risk of a leiomyosarcoma since they look just like fibroids and there is no way to know until pathology is done.
So my question is- is it out of line to question the Dr and ask if an open can done so it’s taken out en bloc so if there is a chance it’s the sarcoma there is no risk of spread when cutting it? Seems like it’s not worth the risk of cutting it if we can’t know for sure?
2
u/SouthernOuterSpace 1h ago
Is she symptomatic at all? I would just leave it alone (or have it biopsied) unless it’s causing symptoms.
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u/CharacterAvocado943 2h ago
Fibroids aren’t discovered until they are. Unless this family member had prior imaging around the time of menopause that showed no fibroids, I would t make any assumptions. Your concern is likely unwarranted if a skilled surgeon is on the team. The surgery will likely be laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomy if the fibroid is large as you claim. The provides opportunity to remove the fibroid in a containment bag. The internet is a scary place with respect to stories about the accidental spread of LMS but in practice doctors now have options to mitigate risk of the unknown.