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What Causes An Enlarged Uterus In A Person With Thyroid Cancer?
Question: I haven't had a pap smear in 4 years, so today I went a got a pap smear. I found it to be extremely painful and became nauseated. The doctor said I have an enlarged uterus and is sending me for an ultrasound, should I be worried? I have already had thyroid cancer, consisting of papillary and follicular cancer.
Brief Answer:
There are common, benign reasons for an enlarged uterus
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
First, i can assure you that your history of thyroid cancer has no bearing on your risk of any type of gynecologic cancer. Secondly, there are many benign conditions of the uterus that can make it feel enlarged on a pelvic exam.
The most common condition that causes uterine enlargement is the development of fibroids in the uterus. Uterine fibroids are tumors (called leiomyomas) that are growths made of the smooth muscle cells that make up the uterine wall. They are rubbery in texture and if they are large or stick out from the surface of the uterus they can make it feel enlarged. The following is a link to an illustration of uterine fibroids:
http://wdavidstinsonmd.com/Fibroids.jpg
Uterine fibroids are benign (not cancerous) and very common- almost 1/3 of women will develop fibroids in their lifetime, and they usually present in a woman's late 30's and 40's. Most people have no symptoms and they are diagnosed on an annual GYN exam. Fibroids can cause irregular or heavy periods in some women, and others can have pelvic pressure, pain with sex or movement, or even bulging of the abdomen like pregnancy (some women can have their uterus grow to the size of a 4-5 month pregnancy or more). Fibroids do not require any treatment if they cause no symptoms.
Other than fibroids, other causes of an enlarged uterus can be a condition called adenomyosis (also a benign condition that causes heavy periods), and also the size of the uterus can be enlarged if a woman has had many children. Uterine cancer generally does not enlarge the uterus until it is very advanced, and cancer almost always causes bleeding before it gets that advanced.
So in summary, there is no reason to be alarmed about having an enlarged uterus, and i am sure you will have a definite answer after your ultrasound.
I hope i was able to adequately answer your question today and that this information was reassuring. If you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown
There are common, benign reasons for an enlarged uterus
Detailed Answer:
Hello, and I hope I can help you today.
First, i can assure you that your history of thyroid cancer has no bearing on your risk of any type of gynecologic cancer. Secondly, there are many benign conditions of the uterus that can make it feel enlarged on a pelvic exam.
The most common condition that causes uterine enlargement is the development of fibroids in the uterus. Uterine fibroids are tumors (called leiomyomas) that are growths made of the smooth muscle cells that make up the uterine wall. They are rubbery in texture and if they are large or stick out from the surface of the uterus they can make it feel enlarged. The following is a link to an illustration of uterine fibroids:
http://wdavidstinsonmd.com/Fibroids.jpg
Uterine fibroids are benign (not cancerous) and very common- almost 1/3 of women will develop fibroids in their lifetime, and they usually present in a woman's late 30's and 40's. Most people have no symptoms and they are diagnosed on an annual GYN exam. Fibroids can cause irregular or heavy periods in some women, and others can have pelvic pressure, pain with sex or movement, or even bulging of the abdomen like pregnancy (some women can have their uterus grow to the size of a 4-5 month pregnancy or more). Fibroids do not require any treatment if they cause no symptoms.
Other than fibroids, other causes of an enlarged uterus can be a condition called adenomyosis (also a benign condition that causes heavy periods), and also the size of the uterus can be enlarged if a woman has had many children. Uterine cancer generally does not enlarge the uterus until it is very advanced, and cancer almost always causes bleeding before it gets that advanced.
So in summary, there is no reason to be alarmed about having an enlarged uterus, and i am sure you will have a definite answer after your ultrasound.
I hope i was able to adequately answer your question today and that this information was reassuring. If you need anything further, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best wishes,
Dr. Brown
Note: Revert back with your gynae reports to get a clear medical analysis by our expert Gynecologic Oncologist. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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