The tumor that is frequently found in the female reproductive system is the uterine fibroid. It is considered as a non-cancerous tumor that is prevalent during the childbearing years. Fibroids are most common in women who are their 30s to early 50s. After women enter menopause, fibroids may begin to shrink. About 20 to 40 percent of women aged 35 and older have fibroids of significant enough size to cause symptoms.

The factors behind uterine fibroids are still unknown. Women with or without the risk factors found below may still have the possibility to develop fibroids. It is more likely to grow in women with more risk factors.

• AGE: Women aging 35-40 years old have higher risk for symptomatic fibroids.
• RACE: African-American women have two to three times higher risk for symptomatic fibroids.
• HEREDITARY: A relative who had fibroids may put you at risk for uterine tumors.
• OBESITY: There is a minor risk for obese women to develop uterine fibroids.
• CONSUMPTION OF RED MEAT, BEEF, AND HAM has been associated with the presence of uterine fibroids.

The surgeon may recommend treatment options that allow you to keep your uterus. If the fibroids are small and few in number, you and your doctor may opt for a laparoscopic or robotic procedure, which uses slender instruments inserted through small incisions in your abdomen to remove the fibroids from your uterus. The advantage of robotic myomectomy is that it give the surgeon a better view using a magnified 3-D visualization, giving him more precision, flexibility, dexterity compared to other conventional open surgery.

However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is looking into a growing number of reports of malfunctions and complications, including problems that resulted in deaths and injuries. On the patient’s part, it is crucial for them to be aware of the background of robotic surgery before trusting their health to the said surgical procedure.

References:
mayoclinic.com/health/uterine-fibroids/DS00078/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs
nuff.org/health_riskfactors.htm
thirdage.com/hc/c/uterine-fibroids-risk-factors
fibroidsurgery.de/en/portal-endogyn/endogyn/special-treatment/fibroids/about-fibroids/risk-factors-for-getting-fibroids.html
mayoclinic.com/health/uterine-fibroids/DS00078/DSECTION=risk-factors