Peritoneal endometriosis is considered one of the most common and at the same time incomprehensible pathologies in gynecology. This diagnosis is made quite often. However, as a rule, it is difficult for women to figure out exactly what they have discovered, why it is necessary to treat peritoneal endometriosis, and how dangerous this condition can be.
In order to understand, firstly, you should have an idea of menstruation and endometrium.
From the inside, the uterine cavity is lined with mucous membranes. This shell is called the endometrium. It consists of two layers. Functional (if pregnancy did not occur) is rejected monthly during menstruation. Every month a new functional layer grows from the basal layer.
Menstrual flow is a mixture of endometrial fragments and blood. In almost every woman, they not only go outside (through the vagina). A certain part of the discharge enters the abdominal cavity through pipes. There, they are normally destroyed with the help of special protective cells.
However, cleansing from menstrual flow does not always occur in the abdominal cavity. Fragments of the rejected mucosa are able to attach to the tissues, implant and take root in them.
In other words, endometriosis is a disease in which the endometrium of the uterus is located outside its cavity in the form of separate foci. The mucous membrane can take root in various parts of the body. However, peritoneal endometriosis is most often detected.
After the fragments of the mucosa have taken root, they begin to develop according to the same principle as they existed in the uterine cavity. Under the influence of the hormone of the ovaries, foci (explants) begin to increase in size. Then part of them is rejected. Thus, peritoneal endometriosis provokes many small periods along with the main one.
Due to the development of miniature rejection in the peritoneum, which is fairly well innervated, the processes are accompanied by painful sensations. This symptom is the main accompanying the disease "endometriosis".
This theory of the development of pathology is called "implantation". It is considered one of the oldest and most likely. There are, of course, other theories about the occurrence of endometriosis. So, it is assumed that pathological foci can form due to the transformation of peritoneal cells into endometrial cells, a genetic predisposition, immunological disorders, or as a result of hormonal effects.
Anything that provokes a more frequent discharge of secretions into the peritoneal cavity can contribute to the development of pathology.
Foci of endometriosis are found not only in the peritoneum, but also in completely different tissues and organs. It should be noted that such phenomena are rarely detected. Presumably, fragments of mucosal tissue can spread through the body through the circulatory or lymphatic system, as well as penetrate wounds during surgery.
Given the localization of foci determine
- external endometriosis of the pelvic peritoneum, ovarian tubes, wide ligaments of the uterus, and the adjacent space;
- internal endometriosis affecting the body of the uterus;
- extragenital with damage to the intestines, bladder, scar on the perineum after dissection during the resolution of childbirth, lungs, and other organs.
The accustomed fragments can be of various sizes, colors or shapes. As a rule, the foci are represented by small red, black, yellow, brown and other seals scattered throughout the peritoneum. In some cases, fusion of foci and tissue infiltration occur. As a rule, this phenomenon is characteristic of the posterior region and the area of the uterine ligaments.