Uterine fibroids are among the most common gynecological diseases. This diagnosis is made annually to thousands of women around the world. The main danger of pathology is that it can cause a malignant tumor of the uterus, that is, cancer.
To prevent such a development of events, every woman should take her he alth very seriously and go to the clinic at the first symptoms.
Uterine fibroma: what is it and why is it dangerous?
This medical term refers to a benign neoplasm that consists mainly of fibrous connective tissue. Some confuse the concepts of "fibroma" and "myoma" of the uterus. These tumors are actually somewhat similar, but they also have differences. A distinctive feature of fibroma is slow growth and a fairly rare degeneration into a malignant tumor.
According to the characteristics of development and growth, uterine fibroids are of two types:
- nodular - in this case, the neoplasm has clearly defined boundaries;
- diffuse - with this development, a benign tumor does not have a clear outline, closelocated foci can merge into one common.
Types of fibroids
In medicine, uterine fibroids are usually divided into several varieties according to one or another characteristic. One of them is the location on the tissues of the uterus.
Submucosal type. As it already becomes clear from the name, the neoplasm is attached under the mucous tissue of the organ. It is this variety that can cause numerous heavy bleeding, because there is a large accumulation of blood vessels in the endometrium.
Subserous (subserous). As shown in the photo, fibroids in the uterus in this case are attached to the outside of the organ. Often, such tumors are discovered quite by accident when the patient is treated for a completely different reason. The reason for this is the asymptomatic growth of fibroids. Complaints may appear at a time when the tumor has already reached a serious size.
Interstitial (another name for intraparietal). As for this type of fibroma, it rightfully occupies the first place in distribution. The main thing that distinguishes the growth of this tumor is the deformation of the organ and a significant increase in the volume of the uterus.
Stem type. This pathology is characterized by the appearance of neoplasms in subserous tissues. The fibroma is attached to the uterus in this case with the help of a leg, and its growth causes tissue displacement. The main symptom is considered frequent severe pain in the lower abdomen.
Spurious type. This variety is quite rare, but it can be called a rather serious pathology. innovation in thiscase, it develops not only in the tissues of the uterus, but is also able to move to other nearby organs, for example, the cervix.
Causes of fibroids
Despite the high level of development of medicine, scientists still cannot give a definite answer, which becomes an impetus for the appearance of pathological cells.
Some doctors are inclined to believe that the growth of a fibroma begins with the appearance of a single mutated cell, from which a tumor develops over time. This phenomenon is explained by the accelerated phase of growth and division of pathological cells compared to the rate of development of ordinary cells of the muscle layer.
However, numerous studies and observations have shown that there are a number of factors that increase the risk of developing uterine fibroids.
Factors affecting tumor growth
In young girls, this pathology is detected quite rarely. Most of the patients with benign neoplasm of the uterus are women of reproductive age. In other words, upon reaching the age of 25-30, a woman's risk of fibroids increases significantly. There are other risk factors:
- Hormonal disorders. The increased production of estrogen greatly affects the growth of neoplasms. If such a violation is detected, then correction should be resorted to as soon as possible.
- Mechanical tissue damage. This category includes soft tissue bruises, past injuries that a woman could have received under various circumstances.
- Surgical intervention (abortions, curettage of the uterus, complicated childbirth). Operations performed on the uterus or organs close to it often lead to the formation of fibroids. Often, the tumor appears in places of small tissue damage.
- Infectious diseases. The dependence of fibroma and infectious diseases exists, although not entirely clear. The fact is that when an infection occurs in the tissues, an inflammatory process occurs that causes damage. When damaged tissues are repaired, pathological cell growth may also begin.
In addition, the development of pathology can contribute to:
- prolonged abstinence from sex;
- a sedentary lifestyle (this includes both sedentary work and lack of physical activity);
- genetic predisposition;
- poor circulation in the pelvis;
- overweight.
Who is at risk
Based on the data obtained, the doctors were able to identify a risk group. She was hit by:
- black women (this is due to predisposition at the genetic level);
- obese women;
- leading a sedentary lifestyle;
- abusing alcohol and tobacco products (presumably this is due to a general deterioration in the state of the body, a drop in immunity and susceptibility to various diseases);
- women who haven't given birth before age 30.
Uterine fibroids: signs
The growth of a neoplasm may be accompanied by numerouscharacteristic signs, or it can be completely asymptomatic for a long time - it all depends on the location of the tumor, its size and the number of nodes. All symptoms indicating the presence of uterine fibroids are divided into several categories.
1. Pain syndrome. The appearance of pain in the lower abdomen should immediately alert a woman, because such a clinical picture most often accompanies diseases of the reproductive organs.
- Pain is localized in the lower abdomen or radiates to the lower back. The nature of the pain is aching or pulling.
- Persistent, not too severe pain may indicate the presence of a fibroma in the serous membrane of the uterus.
- The development of a submucosal type of tumor often causes severe cramping pain. This symptom of uterine fibroids is especially pronounced on menstrual days.
- Necrosis of the node can cause severe pain with signs of an “acute abdomen”.
Irregular menstruation:
- Cycle failure possible.
- Menstruation becomes excessively heavy and prolonged (more than 7 days).
- Bleeding occurs in the middle of the cycle (acyclic).
With large volumes of fibroids, there is a disorder in the work of neighboring organs. This is explained by the large pressure of the tumor, which causes the following symptoms:
- frequent urination or urinary incontinence - appears with pressure on the ureters and bladder;
- constipation, painful bowel movements (possible with pressure on the rectum).
Diagnosis
To detect uterine fibroids, there are a number of methods, including hardware types of research and laboratory tests.
- Initial reception. This stage is extremely important, as it gives the doctor the necessary data for the appointment of a further examination. During the appointment, the gynecologist examines the patient's complaints, her general condition, the possible presence of concomitant diseases.
- Examination on the gynecological chair. At this stage, cervical fibromas are detected, they are visible to the naked eye. To study the condition of the uterus, the gynecologist conducts an examination with both hands (from the side of the vagina and from the side of the abdominal wall). If there is a fibroma, the uterus is distinguished by density, the presence of nodes.
- Complete blood count.
- A smear for microflora provides information about the presence of pathogenic microorganisms, and a smear for cytology helps to identify atypical cells on the cervix.
- Blood from a vein. This laboratory test can diagnose HIV, hepatitis and syphilis.
- To exclude a possible disorder of the liver, a BAC is prescribed (it is used to determine the content of creatinine, bilirubin, total protein and liver enzymes).
- Complete urinalysis.
- Ultrasound. An ultrasound procedure is prescribed to determine the condition of the uterus. With the help of this hardware study, the doctor receives data on the presence or absence of uterine fibroids, its size, location and number of catches. Thus, ultrasound acts as the main diagnostic method.
- Computed tomography also provides data on the condition of the uterus, but this diagnostic method is used less often.
- Colposcopy. With the help of a special colposcope device, the condition of the cervix is studied.
- Biopsy. This diagnostic method is used if there is a suspicion that a fibroma has turned into a malignant tumor.
Dynamic surveillance
Treatment for uterine fibroids is not always necessary. In many cases, doctors recommend dynamic monitoring. This term refers to enhanced monitoring of the patient's condition. So, with certain indicators, a woman only needs to undergo regular examinations. In this case, the doctor compares the indicators of the previous diagnosis with the new ones and decides on further observation or treatment.
This tactic is possible due to the peculiarities of neoplasm development. Fibroma is usually slow growing and rarely becomes malignant.
Dynamic observation is recommended in the following cases:
- no overt symptoms;
- Tumor size not exceeding 2 cm
Conservative treatment
Conservative treatment should be understood as non-surgical therapy. In this case, it consists in drug treatment. It is prescribed in the following cases:
- the impossibility of performing a surgical operation for various medical reasons;
- Tumor size reaches 6-12 weeks;
- sharply markedthere are no symptoms (the woman does not complain of pain, there is no bleeding, and the menstrual cycle is generally not disturbed);
- a woman is planning a pregnancy in the future.
The basis of drug treatment are hormonal drugs. They are selected by the doctor, taking into account the peculiarities of the development of fibroids. During the treatment of uterine fibroids, a woman undergoes tests for timely control and possible course adjustments.
Important! Folk remedies for uterine fibroids can only be used as additional stimulation. They actively help relieve symptoms, but you should consult your doctor before using them.
Surgery
Surgical intervention may be required in several cases at once:
- Sufficiently large size of a benign tumor. So, if the uterine fibroma has reached a size of 6 cm (12 obstetric weeks), it is recommended to remove it.
- Removal is indispensable in cases where drug treatment has not given the desired results.
- Tumor growth too fast.
- Presence of a fibroid submucosal node.
- The clinical picture is clear, the symptoms are pronounced (abundant bleeding occurs, frequent severe pain, manifestations of anemia).
Uterine fibroids can be operated on in several ways.
1. Traditional operation. During the operation, the surgeon makes an incision in the abdominal cavity and removes the neoplasm. In this case, two approaches are possible. One of them is organ-preservingan operation in which only the tumor is removed, and the uterus remains. This development of events allows a woman to become pregnant in the future and bear a child. The second approach involves the complete removal of the uterus, which means that the childbearing function will be lost.
2. Laparoscopy. Under this term, a surgical operation is hidden, during which the surgeon makes only small incisions for further manipulations. The entire course of the operation is displayed as a picture on a computer monitor. This type of surgery is the most preferred, as it allows you to coordinate movements with millimeter accuracy and significantly reduce the recovery period.
3. Embolization of the uterine vessels. What it is? This method consists in blocking the blood vessels that feed the fibroma. In the absence of blood supply (nutrition), the tumor stops growing, and therefore its removal is not required.
4. Ablation. The tumor is affected by ultrasound, which leads to the evaporation of the neoplasm. A disorder in the nutrition and blood flow of the tumor leads to the necrosis of the node (in other words, necrosis of pathological tissues occurs).
Answering questions from patients about whether uterine fibroids are dangerous, doctors emphasize that fibroma itself is a benign neoplasm, and therefore does not pose a particular danger. However, we should not forget that the growth of nodes causes complications in the form of disruption of the intestines and bladder, anemia, and infertility. In addition, the transition of a benign tumor to a malignant one is not excluded.
Today, uterine fibroids respond well to treatment. The most important thing is to identify the pathology in time and start fighting it. To do this, every woman should be attentive to her own he alth and contact the clinic at the slightest symptoms and signs. Uterine fibroids are a serious pathology, despite the positive prognosis. For there is always the possibility of tissue regeneration. Based on this, regular gynecological examinations should not be neglected. Such simple, at first glance, recommendations will help keep a woman he althy and prevent the development of serious consequences of tumor growth.
