CUSTOMER STORY: 43-YEAR-OLD WOMAN DISCOVERS LARGE FIBROID THROUGH WHOLE-BODY MRI

Whole-body MRI is an advanced imaging technique that allows for a detailed examination of the entire body without using X-rays. This method is particularly useful for detecting abnormalities at an early stage, even before symptoms appear.

At the CarePlus Imaging Center, a 43-year-old female patient underwent a whole-body MRI as part of a health check-up after experiencing prolonged pelvic discomfort. Additionally, she occasionally suffered from unexplained headaches and lower back pain when lifting heavy objects. Seeking a thorough evaluation of her vital organs, she decided to undergo a whole-body MRI for a comprehensive assessment. 

• Case: Pelvic Discomfort – Discovery of a Large Fibroid 
• Patient: Female, 43 years old, residing in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City

Clinical Symptoms 

Frequent episodes of pelvic discomfort 

Pain that may or may not be related to the menstrual cycle 

Occasional lower back pain associated with heavy lifting, along with persistent headaches of no specific location

Whole-Body MRI Results 

The whole-body MRI revealed various abnormalities, including a significant finding in the pelvic region:

A mass located at the posterior body and cervix of the uterus, measuring approximately 6.5 × 8 × 9 cm, with low signal intensity similar to the myometrium and multiple high-signal nodules inside. 

The distance from the inner border of the mass to the endometrium was 1.8 cm, while the distance from the outer border to the serosa was unclear. 

Diagnosis: FIGO 5 Uterine Fibroid 

This is an important finding, suggesting that the prolonged pelvic discomfort experienced by the patient was caused by a large uterine fibroid.

Uterine fibroids are a common condition in middle-aged women. However, when fibroids grow large or undergo degeneration, they can cause significant pelvic discomfort and negatively impact the patient’s quality of life.

Next Steps 

Following the MRI scan, the patient was advised to consult a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology for a detailed evaluation and appropriate treatment recommendations. 

Treatment options for uterine fibroids depend on their size, symptoms, and the patient’s preferences. These may include: 

✅ Medical management if the fibroid does not cause severe complications 

✅ Surgical intervention, such as myomectomy or hysterectomy, if necessary

The Importance of Whole-Body MRI 

Whole-body MRI is a valuable diagnostic tool for the early detection of abnormalities in the body. In this case, MRI helped identify a large degenerating uterine fibroid as the cause of the patient’s persistent pelvic discomfort, guiding her to the appropriate medical specialist for timely treatment.

Regular health check-ups, especially using advanced imaging techniques like MRI, play a crucial role in early disease detection and intervention, offering optimal health benefits to patients.