Uterine fibroids may usher in an era of non-invasive treatment

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors in women over 30 years old, with a prevalence rate of 20-77%. In the United States, the cost of hysterectomy exceeds 2 billion per year. Most uterine fibroids have no symptoms, while some may have symptoms such as excessive menstrual flow or prolonged menstrual cycle, abdominal pain, frequent urination, etc., which makes the health quality of life of this group of people significantly lower than that of the normal population.

The treatment of uterine fibroids has evolved from invasive treatment to minimally invasive treatment. However, both invasive and minimally invasive treatments have many defects. For example, hysterectomy may cause women to lose their fertility; if myomectomy is performed, uterine rupture may occur; if uterine artery embolization is used, there will be significant age-related ovarian function damage, etc. Recently, the latest non-invasive treatment has emerged - high-energy focused ultrasound therapy under magnetic resonance imaging guidance, which may usher in an era of non-invasive treatment for uterine fibroids.

It should be noted that this technology has not yet been certified in China. Hospitals require non-menopausal women who have given birth or have no future childbearing requirements to undergo non-invasive surgery for uterine fibroids. On this basis, not all women in this range can undergo physical examinations for uterine fibroids, which depends on the condition of the fibroids.