Last Updated on February 27, 2024 by Shabnam Sengupta
Regardless of their hormonal status or age, women with a large fibroid mass who present with acute abdominal pain should be considered for a ruptured degeneration of fibroids as one of the possible differential diagnoses. This article discusses whether fibroids can burst, and if yes, why they burst.
Is it possible for fibroids to burst?
Yes, in rare cases. The occurrence of spontaneous rupture in benign uterine fibroids is exceedingly uncommon and is typically linked to fibroid degeneration. Despite being rare, the rupture of fibroids can lead to severe life-threatening complications. This happens when a fibroid breaks open. It results in bleeding from the blood vessels and nerves within the fibroid, which can cause intense abdominal pain.
Why do fibroids burst?
A uterine fibroid may burst or rupture due to a variety of factors, including elevation in blood pressure or abdominal pressure, a twisted fibroid, an injury, or a fibroid that has outgrown its blood supply. As fibroids grow, the centre of the fibroid gets increasingly farther away from the perimeter. It is vulnerable to a lack of blood flow or ischemia, and if it continues, it causes the death of fibroid cells. They are also vascular, i,e., develop their own blood vessels to supply themselves with blood. However, the blood vessels within the fibroid can become weakened or damaged over time, making them more susceptible to rupture.
Additionally, as the fibroid grows, it can put pressure on nearby tissues, which can also increase the likelihood of rupture. Remember, if a fibroid ruptures, a ruptured uterine fibroid can result in significant complications. These include increased blood pressure and acute blood loss. If a degenerated fibroid ruptures and causes intra-abdominal bleeding that could be life-threatening, surgical intervention may be necessary as the first-line treatment. Therefore, it requires you to visit your doctor as soon as possible.
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