Treatment for a fibroid cyst depends on the severity of the symptoms as well as whether the affected woman wishes to preserve fertility. Hormone replacement therapy is often the first line of treatment, although surgical intervention is often necessary. A hysterectomy, or complete removal of the uterus, is the most common type of surgery for a fibroid cyst, although this renders a woman permanently infertile. A myomectomy may be performed if a woman wants to preserve fertility and involves removal of the fibroid while leaving the uterus intact. Any questions or concerns about the most appropriate fibroid cyst treatment options in an individual situation should be discussed with a doctor or other medical professional.
Hormone replacement therapy is the standard treatment method when a fibroid cyst is discovered. Some hormones may help to shrink the size of the fibroids while others may help to reduce some of the painful symptoms associated with these cysts. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen may also prove beneficial in controlling the pain and discomfort.
A surgical procedure known as a myomectomy may be used to remove a fibroid cyst in order to attempt to preserve fertility. This procedure is designed to remove the cyst while leaving the uterus intact. About half of the women who undergo this type of surgery will need to have the procedure repeated within five years due to the high rate of recurrence. For this reason, a myomectomy is considered to be a temporary solution.
Laser ablation is a type of procedure that serves to reduce the size of the fibroid cyst, thereby reducing the severity of the pain and other symptoms caused by the growth. The core of the fibroid is burned in the hopes that the tumor will die. The chances of recurrence are relatively high for this procedure as well. Fibroid embolization involves the use of a small catheter to block the blood flow to the fibroid, although the rate of recurrence is not yet known when using this relatively now treatment option.
The only real cure for fibroid cysts is a type of surgery known as a hysterectomy. This procedure involves the complete removal of the uterus, thereby sending the patient into immediate menopause and ending fertility. Without a uterus, the fibroids have no place to grow, so there is no chance of recurrence. The ovaries may or may not be removed during the surgery, depending on the extent of the damage and any other underlying medical conditions.