The physiological feature of the female body determines a high susceptibility to various gynecological pathologies. According to medical information, the first position is occupied by uterine fibroids.
According to the WHO, more than 25% of girls of reproductive age in our country are diagnosed with this tumor. Moreover, every year the figure is steadily increasing. The disease is observed in young people and patients in the menopause. Even a doctor at a gynecological examination can not always differentiate the signs of uterine fibroids. How to recognize education at an early stage and avoid surgery? You will find answers to all your questions in the material presented.
What kind of illness is this?
This is a benign neoplasm of different sizes. Myomatous nodes are located in the myometrium - the muscle layer. The tumor is a round muscle smooth muscle fiber, densely braided by blood vessels. Its weight, diameter and volume can be gigantic. In medical practice, a node weighing 63 kg is fixed. But more often small uterine fibroids are found. Signs and symptoms directly depend on the course, stage, anatomical location, growth rate, number of nodes and age of the patient. This is a hormone-dependent disease, so its development is characterized by a high content of estrogen (female sex hormones).
Types of localization
In clinical medicine, multiple and single myoma formations are distinguished depending on their location:
- A submucous, or intracavitary, form develops inside the endometrium, and can sink into the vagina and neck.
- Subserous, or subperitoneal, occurs under the outer layer of the organ.
- Interstitial (intermuscular) is the most common uterine nodular myoma. Signs and symptoms are characterized by painful menstrual bleeding. The nodes are centered in the thickness of the layer, in the area of the body or bottom.
- Cervical.
- Interconnective is localized in the subperitoneal space and often does not mean itself.
Some types of formations are able to grow weighing up to 2-3 kg. Only with a regular (every six months) medical examination it is possible to correctly diagnose and undergo drug therapy.
Who is at risk?
The appearance of this ailment during the period of sexual formation is not excluded. But such cases are extremely rare. Basically, the pathology appears after 30 years. The first signs of uterine fibroids are invisible, that is, the patient lives a normal life, without feeling discomfort and pain.
According to experts, the main provoking factor is hormonal imbalance (excess of estrogen and progesterone deficiency, impaired appendage function). Usually, with such disorders, the girl's period comes late, and sometimes completely absent.
An important role in the occurrence of myomatous nodes is played by an irregular sexual life (rare sexual intercourse, dissatisfaction). In this situation, blood flow is disturbed and stagnation is observed. It is scientifically proven that the disease has a genetic character. It affects those who have a myoma in the genus along the female line.
Provoking factors are also inflammatory processes (adnexitis, endometritis, endometriosis), late births, endocrine pathologies, numerous abortions, trauma and gynecological operations. All this leads to hormonal fluctuations.
The main signs of uterine fibroids: how to recognize a tumor?
So, let's talk about the symptoms. At the initial stage of the disease, signs of uterine fibroids are rarely detected. How to recognize an ailment? Only using a number of diagnostic techniques. As the tumor grows, the patient begins to worry about discomfort, which signals a malfunction in the body. These include:
- Prolonged and profuse menstrual bleeding. Subsequently, this can lead to anemia (dizziness, pallor, migraines, weakness). Such a phenomenon should be very alarming. Sometimes urgent hospitalization is required.
- Pain sensations indicate that the tumor is progressing and growing. Signs of uterine fibroids of small sizes, as a rule, are hardly noticeable, sometimes accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen and lower back.
- Malfunction of nearby organs - the bladder and rectum. Compression, severity, urination disorders and constipation are observed. You should visit a urologist, gynecologist and gastroenterologist.
- An increase in the tumor is characterized by pain in the heart. Also, there is an increase in pressure, shortness of breath, allergic rashes and metabolic disorders.
In young women, reproductive function (tubal obstruction) is sharply reduced. Very often, this causes infertility. To prevent pathology, a timely examination and conservative therapy should be carried out. There is evidence that the formation can independently dissolve or decrease in size with the advent of menopause. But do not hope for it, it is better to eliminate the node before it grows and causes irreparable harm to health.
Clinical manifestations by type of tumor
Each form is characterized by various manifestations. The first signs of uterine fibroids of small sizes with submucous nodes are due to menstrual irregularities. Cramping pain is noted only if the tumor descends into the cavity of the organ.
The subserous anatomical location is asymptomatic. When nodes grow, patients complain of constant pulling pains in the abdomen. Manifestations are often confused with the clinic of an acute abdomen and the patient is placed in the surgical department.
Mixed myomatous formations at an early stage do not betray themselves. Discomfort, compression of adjacent organs and defecation disorders are noted with significant tumor sizes.
Pregnancy and fibroids
If the nodes are located away from the placenta, do not affect it, then the gestation period often passes without pathologies. Difficulties arise when myomatous formations are localized near the embryonic organ. The fact is that a tumor produces substances that cause uterine contractions. The risk of premature birth or miscarriage increases. To keep the pregnancy calm, doctors are trying to stop the growth of nodes. Indeed, as they increase, the fetus may develop various deformations of the cranium, hypoxia and other pathologies. Labor activity is often very weak and protracted, so doctors do a cesarean section.
Diagnostic Methods
Based on a single medical history and gynecological examination, uterine fibroids cannot be detected . Ultrasound (signs for which an examination is prescribed - bleeding, pain, infertility) will help to identify the deformation of the uterine cavity. A unique informative method determines all pathological changes: size, localization, structure.
With a large tumor, MRI is prescribed. She well reveals the number of nodules, determines their shape and location. Echographic signs of uterine fibroids with subperitoneal formation are characterized by increased sound absorption. To accurately diagnose the disease, several studies should be done: computed tomography, laparoscopy, hysterosalpingography.
Therapy
More recently, surgery was the only way to eradicate the disease. Today, doctors managed to achieve grandiose results in treatment. Slowly growing small nodules located in the thickness of the endometrium do not cause inconvenience, but conservative therapy is prescribed to prevent development. The doctor prescribes hormonal medications: produced androgens, gestagens, combined contraceptives and aGnRH analogues.
Modern types of surgical treatment
Conservative therapy is not always, effective and efficient, especially with large formations. If nodes are not removed in a timely manner, then signs of growth of uterine fibroids can adversely affect a woman's health. Abundant blood loss can lead to death or permanently deprive the happiness of motherhood.
There are several options for surgical intervention (this or that method of removal is individually selected, and the patient’s age, tumor growth rate, course, localization, size, and other factors must be taken into account):
- Laparoscopic myomectomy - using a special device, a laparoscope, a small incision is made and a cavity with nodes is peeled.
- Hysteroscopic myomectomy with removal of the internal tumor.
- FUS-ablation - is carried out using ultrasonic waves, is prescribed only for single formations.
- Arterial embolization - prevents the flow of nutrients to the nodes.
- Hysterectomy is an extreme method, performed in cases where neoplasms reach a huge size. Amputation of the uterus is performed.
What is not possible with myoma?
There are certain restrictions that must be observed by women with a similar diagnosis, so as not to aggravate the situation. Any physical activity on the peritoneum and pelvic area is contraindicated. Protect yourself from horse riding and cycling. You can do yoga, walk on a treadmill and be sure to take daily walks - this will improve blood flow. Doctors do not recommend massage baths and mud therapy. You need to pay attention to your diet: eliminate solid and fatty foods that promote tumor growth.
Useful food rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids. Increase your intake of fish, vegetable dishes, nuts, and wheat seedlings. Do not forget to carry out vitamin therapy 3-4 times a year. Combine traditional treatment with folk remedies. Watch your health and be examined annually, even when there are no signs of uterine fibroids. How to recognize the disease and prevent its development, the gynecologist will tell in detail.