Many of the fair sex are faced with such a problem as the formation of polyps in the uterus. Women, regardless of age, suffer from this disease. Despite the fact that the appearance of such neoplasms is not dangerous, it is still not worth ignoring the disease. Treatment of polyps is necessary, otherwise there is a possibility of malignant degeneration of tissues.
Of course, many women are interested in more information. Why do polyps form in the uterus? Symptoms and treatment, diagnosis and possible complications - these are very useful data that are worth reading.
What is a neoplasm?
Many women of young and mature age are faced with a similar pathology, so they are interested in information about its symptoms and treatment. Polyps are benign neoplasms that occur due to the uncontrolled growth of connective tissues.
The structure itself is small - its diameter rarely exceeds 1-3 cm. Some women develop a single structure, while others developmultiple polyps. According to statistics, women aged 40-50 years are most susceptible to this disease. However, the pathology sometimes develops in young women and even adolescent girls.
Mechanism of polyp formation
It is worth noting that the exact mechanisms of the appearance of such pathological structures are currently unknown - active research is still underway, and experts put forward various theories. Nevertheless, doctors can still give some answers.
How do endometrial polyps form in the uterus? Treatment, by the way, largely depends on the causes of the onset of the disease and the characteristics of its development. Normally, the level of estrogen, which is synthesized by the ovaries, depends on the day of the menstrual cycle. But sometimes, for one reason or another, the endocrine glands begin to work incorrectly, as a result of which the amount of estrogen in the blood rises significantly. The endometrium, lining the inner surface of the uterus, begins to grow and its individual sections do not exfoliate during menstruation. A similar process is repeated over several cycles, resulting in small outgrowths forming on the inner surface of the uterus. Very soon, fibers of connective tissue and blood vessels grow through the neoplasms - this is how a polyp is formed.
Causes of polyps in the uterus
Many women are interested in questions about how polyps in the uterus are treated. It is very important to find out the reasons for the appearance of the latter, because the choice of therapy regimen directly depends on them. There are several mainrisk factors.
- Changes in the hormonal background, in particular, an increase in estrogen levels, cause increased growth of the endometrium and the formation of polyps. This is observed, for example, before the onset of menopause. But progesterone deficiency contributes to the active growth of neoplasms.
- The risk factors include blockage of blood vessels. Around the affected artery or vein, sometimes epithelial cells begin to multiply intensively, which leads to the appearance of a polyp.
- Inflammatory diseases in the organs of the reproductive system can also provoke a pathological process. Risk factors include, for example, cervicitis or endometriosis. The fact is that against the background of inflammation in the tissues of the uterus, the number of leukocytes increases. White blood cells certainly help fight infections, but sometimes their activity stimulates the growth of the endometrium.
- Various diseases of the endocrine glands, whether thyroid or adrenal, affect the functioning of the ovaries, cause changes in the level of sex hormones.
- Risk factors also include injuries of the uterine membranes received during diagnostic curettage or abortion.
- Hypertension and diabetes affect blood flow in small capillaries. Endometrial cells do not receive enough nutrients and oxygen, which sometimes leads to their hypertrophy.
- There is also a hereditary factor.
- Polyps often develop in overweight women. The fact is that obesity affects the level of estrogen in the blood.
- Inactivity, sedentary work, sedentary lifestylelife - all this leads to stagnation of blood in the pelvic organs. This, again, affects blood circulation and hormone synthesis processes.
- Risk factors include taking certain medications, in particular, tamoxifen, hormonal drugs.
Unfortunately, it is far from always possible to find out what exactly provoked the appearance of such a neoplasm, and the mechanisms of its development are not fully understood. Nevertheless, the treatment of polyps is directly related to the presence of certain risk factors in the patient's life.
Types of polyps: classification scheme
If we consider the location of the neoplasm, then the following types are distinguished:
- polyp of the body of the uterus, which is a small nodule on the inner surface of the organ;
- cervical polyp (treatment will be discussed below) - a small tumor formed on the inner surface of the cervical canal.
It is worth noting that a polyp can be formed by various types of cells. Depending on which structures predominate, several types are distinguished.
- Glandular polyps consist mainly of glandular cells and often look like small cysts filled with fluid. Similar structures are most often diagnosed in young girls.
- The structure of fibrous polyps is dominated by connective tissue elements. Their structure is denser. Most often, such neoplasms appear in patients of mature age, before the onset of menopause.
- Iron-fibrous neoplasms contain bothconnective tissue fibers and glandular cells.
- Adenomatous polyps consist mainly of atypical cells. It is these structures that most often degenerate into full-fledged cancerous tumors.
- Placental structures are formed when placental tissues remain in the uterine cavity after childbirth.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
Before considering the main methods of treating polyps, it is worth learning more about the symptoms that accompany the pathology. It should be immediately noted that in most cases the disease proceeds without any manifestations. Violations appear only when the polyp itself is damaged or against the background of the rapid growth of this neoplasm. The clinical picture is characterized by the following features:
- violations of the monthly cycle (menstruation becomes irregular);
- periods often become more abundant, sometimes even bleeding;
- many patients complain about the appearance of copious whitish mucous discharge;
- sometimes spotting also occurs between periods;
- if the polyp reaches a large size, then a pain syndrome may appear (women complain of pulling pains in the lower abdomen);
- sexual intercourse is also often accompanied by pain and the appearance of spotting, which is associated with trauma to the tissues of the neoplasm;
- when trying to get pregnant, women also often face difficulties.
The appearance of such violations is a serious reason to turn todoctor. Only a specialist knows what the treatment of polyps in the uterus should be. Never ignore a problem or try to deal with it yourself.
Complications due to the growth of polyps
As evidenced by statistics, polyposis in most cases responds well to therapy and is rarely accompanied by any complications. However, sometimes, if left untreated, polyps in the uterus increase in size, which is dangerous.
- The appearance of such neoplasms in the cervix or directly in the endometrium greatly complicates the process of fertilization of the egg and sometimes makes it impossible to implant it. The presence of multiple polyps increases the likelihood of an ectopic pregnancy or even rupture of the fallopian tubes. If neoplasms appeared in late pregnancy, then spontaneous abortion is possible due to placental abruption.
- Uterine polyps grow - their own blood vessels gradually appear in their structure. However, the walls of the capillaries are thinner here, so they are prone to various injuries. Polyposis is often accompanied by uterine bleeding that begins and ends abruptly.
- Recurrent blood loss can lead to the development of anemia, which is accompanied by a decrease in the number of red blood cells, a decrease in hemoglobin levels. Anemia affects the work of all organ systems.
- Polyp tissues are prone to injury and further infection. In the absence of treatment, suchpathology may result in the appearance of foci of chronic inflammation.
- Polyps are benign neoplasms. Nevertheless, there is always a risk of malignant degeneration of tissues. Cancers are much more dangerous as they require more aggressive therapy. Lack of treatment often ends in the death of the patient.
Diagnostic measures
The treatment regimen for polyps largely depends on the causes and symptoms of the pathology, the risk of malignant degeneration and other factors. That is why correct diagnosis is so important. After a general examination and collection of information for anamnesis, the doctor refers the patient to certain tests.
- Of course, to begin with, a biochemical and general blood test is performed. These studies help evaluate the functioning of the body. For example, a decrease in the number of erythrocytes indicates blood loss, and an increase in the level of leukocytes indicates the presence of an inflammatory process.
- Urine analysis is informative - this way you can detect violations in the liver and kidneys. The presence of blood in urine samples may indicate uterine bleeding.
- For bacteriological analysis, a swab is taken from the vagina and cervix. Such a study allows you to detect chronic infections, determine the nature of pathogens, the activity of which caused the inflammatory process (if any).
- Be sure to analyze the level of hormones, and not only sex. This allows the physician to determinecause of neoplasms.
- Polyp tissue samples are taken for analysis, which are then sent to the laboratory for histological examination. The procedure allows you to determine the type of polyp (for example, whether the tumor is glandular or fibrous).
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs is also performed (both a standard procedure and an examination with a transvaginal scanner are needed). This is a simple and affordable procedure that allows you to detect polyps, determine their size and exact location. In addition, the doctor will be able to examine the organs of the reproductive and excretory system, to detect any violations.
- A colposcopy is mandatory - this way you can detect polyps in the cervical canal.
- Hysteroscopy is a more accurate study that involves the use of special optical instruments. During the procedure, the doctor can see the polyps formed in the cervix, carefully examine their structure, assess the size, determine the attachment site, etc.
- The most accurate methods are computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Such studies allow the doctor to obtain accurate images of the necessary organs, detect polyps and other neoplasms, and examine blood vessels and other small structures.
Based on the results obtained, the doctor will be able to draw up an effective treatment regimen.
Uterine polyp: treatment without surgery possible?
Ignore such a disease is not worth it in any case. And many patients are interested in questions about whether it is possible to treat polyps without surgery.
In most cases, the appearance of such neoplasms is associated with hormonal disruptions, so patients are prescribed hormonal drugs. Dosage and schedule of admission in this case are determined individually.
Anspasmodics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain. Such drugs as Nurofen, No-shpa, Ibuprom are considered effective.
It is worth saying right away that properly conducted drug therapy helps to stop the growth and further formation of polyps, relieve discomfort and pain, and cope with the inflammatory process. Nevertheless, already existing neoplasms do not disappear against the background of such treatment. If the polyps are single, small and not prone to rapid growth, then drug therapy is enough - in the future, the patient should periodically undergo examinations in order to detect the development of complications in time.
Surgical removal of polyps
Medicines do not always give the desired effect. Sometimes the only possible way is the surgical treatment of uterine polyps. The operation is performed in the presence of the following indications:
- hormone therapy failed;
- patient over 40;
- polyps grow rapidly, their size exceeds 1 cm;
- malignant cells were found in the biopsy during research.
Today, there are several ways to remove a polyp.
- Hysteroscopic surgery is considered the least traumatic. The procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, but lasts no more than 20-30 minutes. Using a special tool, the doctor opens the cervix, and then penetrates into the uterine cavity using special optical equipment. Using a camera, the doctor can carefully examine the lining of the uterus and determine the location of the polyps. Then, using special tweezers or an electric surgical loop, the specialist removes the polyp. The neoplasm bed (the place to which its leg was attached) is scraped out and treated with an antiseptic. This is a relatively simple procedure - after 2-3 days the patient can return to her usual way of life.
- Laparoscopic surgery involves the removal of parts of the uterus or the entire organ. Instruments are inserted inside through small punctures in the abdominal wall. This procedure is carried out if the tests confirmed the presence of malignant cells.
Immediately it should be noted that therapy for such a disease is complex. This is taking drugs, and treating polyps with folk remedies, and surgical removal of neoplasms. Of course, the treatment plan is drawn up by the attending gynecologist.
Treatment with folk remedies
Some people are interested in questions about whether it is possible to cope with a similar disease at home. Treatment of polyps with folk remedies is sometimes really possible. Some remedies help relieve inflammation, normalize the functioning of the endocrine and immune systems.
- What should a patient with polyps be diagnosed with? Treatment with folk methods includes taking the following infusion. To prepare, you will need a teaspoon of crushed blackcurrant berries, two teaspoons of brown rose hips and three tablespoons of dried nettle leaves. A tablespoon of the resulting mixture is poured with two glasses of boiling water. The container then needs to be covered with a lid and left to infuse. After an hour, the liquid can be filtered. It is recommended to take 100 ml four times a day. If the taste of the infusion is too bitter, then you can sweeten it with natural honey or a spoonful of sugar.
- If a woman has polyps, then the treatment of folk remedies includes douching. For this purpose, a special solution is used. First, prepare a mixture of herbs. To do this, mix two tablespoons of sage leaves, rosemary and yarrow herb and four tablespoons of oak bark. We mix all the components and put them in a saucepan, pouring 2.5 liters of water. The agent must be brought to a boil, then kept on low heat for another 30 minutes. Next, the broth is cooled and filtered - the product is used for douching. It is believed that such procedures help in the presence of uncharacteristic vaginal discharge.
Of course, in no case should you engage in self-diagnosis with such a pathology as polyps in the uterus. Treatment with folk remedies can be carried out only with the permission of a doctor. Moreover, home remedies do not replace full-fledged hormonal therapy. All drugs and procedures should be used incomplex.
