Uterine fibroids is a hormone-dependent benign formation that appears on the muscular layer of the uterus in girls of reproductive age.
Myoma is considered the most diagnosed type of tumor of the female reproductive system. Tumor of the uterus is very common, especially among women 30-45 years old. Is uterine fibroids dangerous? This will be discussed below.
She is a round growth called fibroids.
Uterine fibroids diagnosed. What to do? Many people are interested in this question. The types of uterine fibroids and their localization will be discussed in this article. What characterizes this disease?
Classification
Uterine fibroids are benign enlargements of smooth muscle and connective tissue. The size of the tumor can vary from a few millimeters to half a meter in diameter. Fibroids weighing more than nine kilograms have been registered in medical practice.
Under uterine fibroids, non-specialist girls and doctors (in order to facilitate the patient's understanding of the disease) mean various benign neoplasms of the uterus. The tumor can affect different tissuesthis organ. Depending on the place of localization, the neoplasm is classified as follows:
- Leiomyoma is a formation in the muscular layer of the uterus.
- Fibroma - formed from fibrous connective tissue, is quite rare.
- Rhabdomyoma is a benign neoplasm formed from striated muscle tissue.
- Angiomyoma is a neoplasm of muscle tissue with a well-formed network of blood arteries.
According to localization, there is such a classification of uterine fibroids:
- Intramuscular or intermuscular tumor appears in the middle muscle layer.
- Subperitoneal or subserous tumor grows under the serosa, on the outside of the organ.
- Submucosal or submucosal tumor localized inside the uterus, under the mucous membrane.
Classification of uterine fibroids by the number of neoplasms:
- A single tumor is a single myomatous area. The size of such a node, as a rule, varies within a few millimeters up to 8-10 centimeters, very rarely more.
- Multiple or multinodular uterine fibroids, consisting of two or more myomatous neoplasms, in some cases has an unusual location "knot within a node".
Reasons
What is the provocateur of the appearance of pathology? The main cause of uterine fibroids is a disorder of the hormonal function of the ovaries, which produce excess estrogen. It's confirmedthe fact that the use of hormonal contraceptives with significant portions of estrogen contributes to an intensive increase in uterine fibroids, and, conversely, the end of the formation of estrogens in postmenopause leads to its regression and disappearance. But episodes of the appearance of uterine fibroids in girls with a normal hormonal background are known.
Other causes of uterine fibroids are surgical termination of pregnancy, complicated pregnancy and childbirth, adenomyosis (endometriosis) of the uterus, inflammatory diseases of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, ovarian cysts, lack of pregnancy and childbirth in a girl over thirty years old, obesity, heredity, immune and endocrine pathologies, long-term insolation.
Symptoms
Most patients with fibroids do not notice the signs. The disease is detected unexpectedly during a gynecological examination or ultrasound. Symptoms directly depend on the stage of uterine fibroids. As with cancer, at the initial stage, a woman may not feel any symptoms. But with the development of the disease, they are intensely manifested.
Common signs of uterine fibroids may appear:
- Hard and long periods. A more common symptom is prolonged and powerful bleeding during menstruation. It is due to an increase in fibroids close to the uterine cavity. The monthly period may be even longer than usual.
- Monthly pain. Large bleeding and clots can provoke significant cramps and pain during menstruation. Significant fibroidcan provoke high blood pressure and pain in the abdomen or lower back, they begin in the middle of menstruation and are similar to the usual ailments in this case.
- Difficulty urinating. A large fibroid is able to press on the bladder and urinary tract, activating the rapid release of urine, especially at night, if the girl is in a supine position. Fibroids can thus cause pressure on the ureters, which in turn can complicate or block the flow of urine.
- Constipation. The pressure of fibroids on the rectum can cause constipation.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Growth of the uterus and abdomen. A very large swelling can cause the abdomen to grow and cause a feeling of heaviness or pressure.
Gynecological examination and history taking
The doctor is able to identify certain types of fibroids at the time of the gynecological examination. At the appointment, questions will be asked about the intimate life of the patient, about the duration and nature of monthly bleeding.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is considered a common imaging modality to detect uterine fibroids. Sound examination can be carried out both transabdominally and transvaginally. With the behavior of transabdominal ultrasound, the ultrasound device moves in the lower abdomen. With transvaginal ultrasound, the device is inserted into the vagina.
Hysterosonography
Along with ultrasound, hysterosonography can be performed. At the time of the examination, ultrasound is used in conjunction with physicala substance that is introduced into the cavity of an organ in order to improve the visualization of the organ. Such an examination provides a much more accurate picture of the uterine cavity, including the patency of the fallopian tubes and the presence of pathologies.
Hysteroscopy
Hysteroscopy of uterine fibroids is considered an operation that is used to determine the presence of fibroids, polyps or other bleeding factors. It is also used in the process of surgical actions to remove fibroids. During the operation, a large elastic tube is used, which is called a hysteroscope. It is introduced into the vagina through the cervix and reaches the organ itself. Thanks to this, the specialist has the opportunity to examine the cavities in detail. Hysteroscopy is considered a non-invasive operation and does not require incisions at all, but certain girls in their reviews inform about severe pain during its operation, for this reason local or general anesthesia is used.
Laparoscopy
In some variants, the laparoscopic procedure is performed as a diagnostic operation. Through a small hole in the peritoneum, the doctor can examine the cavities inside the uterus, and also examines outside it, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and pelvic organs. Observation is carried out using ultrasound or a video camera.
Biopsy
In some cases, an endometrial biopsy may be needed in order to establish the presence of unnatural cells in the lining of the uterus. Cancer cells can signal the presenceoncology.
Treatment
A woman's age and the severity of symptoms are the main factors in choosing a method for treating uterine fibroids (signs indicative of the disease were discussed above). Many women decide not to treat the disease until menopause occurs. The tumor grows slowly, and its development stops after menopause. However, if the neoplasm causes pain, bleeding, or instantly increases, treatment is indispensable. Fibroids therapy covers a variety of medications and surgical options.
In current medical practice, there are three types of treatment.
Waiting strategy
This aspect does not require treatment, especially if the lady is close to menopause or the tumor is not activated. Periodic gynecological examinations and ultrasound will help determine whether the disease is progressing or not.
Medicated treatment
Therapy includes the following drugs for uterine fibroids:
- Anti-inflammatory and painkillers.
- Hormonal contraceptives. Continuous use of oral contraceptives can restore the menstrual cycle and reduce the amount of bleeding. Drugs are used to control heavy menstrual bleeding associated with fibroids, but they unfortunately do not reduce fibroid enlargement. Recently, new types of continuous-dose oral contraceptives have appeared that can reduce the amount of blood. They suppress estrogen or progesterone or bothhormone data simultaneously.
- Intrauterine devices.
Surgical treatment
How are uterine fibroids removed? Surgical methods include several methods of surgical intervention. This includes endometrial myomectomy (removal of the endometrium), embolization of uterine fibroids, and hysterectomy (removal of an organ).
Women are required to discuss each type of operation with a personal doctor. Decisions about a specific surgical procedure depend on the location, size, and number of fibroids. Certain surgeries have a big impact on your chances of getting pregnant and are only recommended for women who are past their childbearing age or who do not intend to become pregnant. Below are ways to remove uterine fibroids.
Myomectomy
Myomectomy - this surgical operation is aimed at the surgical removal of only fibroids. The uterus is not affected, as a result of which it turns out to preserve the reproductive function of the girl. This procedure is able to correct painful uterine bleeding initiated by fibroids. If the fibroids are multiple and large, they can provoke a large loss of blood.
To perform myomectomy, the surgeon is able to use the usual "open" surgical method (laparotomy) or less invasive methods (hysteroscopy and laparoscopy).
Laparotomy is performed by incision of the abdominal wall. It is used for subserous fibroids, which are considered very large,multiple. Recovery after a conventional abdominal myomectomy is possible after one to two months. Open surgery can cause scarring and a lot of blood loss. The threat of recurrence of new myomatous nodes is also possible.
Hysteroscopic myomectomy may be indicated for submucosal or submucosal fibroids residing in the uterine cavity. During the operation, fibroids are removed using a device called a hysteroscopic resectoscope, which is inserted into the recess of the uterus through the vagina and cervical tract, after which the doctor uses electrosurgical devices to remove the tumor.
Uterine artery embolization
Uterine artery embolization (UAE), which is called uterine fibroid embolization, is a relatively new method of curing pathology. Embolization of uterine fibroids deprives them of blood supply, forcing the tumor to shrink. UAE is considered the least invasive and technically non-surgical therapy. The procedure is not as difficult for the patient as hysterectomy and myomectomy, and stands out for its shorter recovery period than other surgeries. During the operation, the patient remains conscious, despite anesthesia. The duration of the procedure is about one hour, less often - one and a half.
Treatment with folk remedies
In case of illness, it is important to contact a qualified specialist in time. With uterine fibroids, it is very important to carry out a competent examination of the body, correctly diagnose, and form an individual treatment program. What to do whenuterine myoma, the classification of which is presented above?
Traditional medicine does not have the necessary properties to implement a whole special complex for the treatment of such a serious illness. Moreover, "home medicines" can harm, contribute to the growth of the tumor. During the formation of a neoplasm, the body feels stress: immunity worsens, difficulties with emptying the intestines and bladder are likely. The disease must be treated with proven and effective methods of traditional medicine.
However, it is known that herbal medicine can be effective, as numerous plants contain elements similar to hormones or anticancer drugs. But their independent use can have a very negative impact on the state of he alth, cause a rapid complication or an increase in the tumor. Therefore, before you begin to be treated with traditional medicine, you should consult with a specialist. The effectiveness of treatment with folk remedies has been scientifically proven, but it is advisable to combine this type of therapy with the recommendations and prescriptions of a certified medical specialist.
