Contents
Definition of ovarian fibroma
Ovarian fibroma is a tumor of the connective tissue that does not show hormonal activity, has a benign nature. Gynecologists, observing benign ovarian tumors, diagnose fibroma in 10% of cases. The period of its possible development is from 40 years onwards, although there are cases of the disease at an earlier age.
The shape of the ovarian fibroma has the form of a round or oval formation, the surface of which is even or in the form of nodules. Its size sometimes reaches 120 mm. Fibroma with the presence of pseudocavities acquires a densely elastic consistency, the presence of edema makes it soft, the presence of calcium salt deposits makes the tumor hard. The presence of a fibroma legs gives it mobility. This fibroma grows slowly, but changes in the dystrophic appearance in the tissues can accelerate growth.
Causes of ovarian fibroma
To date, the causes of ovarian fibroma formation have not been determined. It is believed that the tumor forms and grows from the stroma of the ovary, however, cases have been established when the tumor begins its formation from fibrous tissue of a nonspecific nature. Observations show that women with an unfavorable premorbid background that affects the pathology of the endocrine system, reduced immunity, chronic inflammatory processes in the ovaries and appendages are more likely to develop ovarian fibroids.
Types of fibroma
The macroscopic structure makes it possible to define two forms. The first is limited, having a capsule with a clear expression and separating the fibroma from the ovarian type tissue. The second is diffuse, completely affecting the tissues of the ovary without the mandatory presence of a capsule. Fibroma of the second form is diagnosed much more often, although histologically, both varieties do not differ much. Both are formed from a fibrous type substance and cellular elements, but with a different ratio of quantity.
Neoplasm tissues are predominantly edematous, may contain cysts. Slow tumor growth is accelerated by tissue degeneration. With ovarian fibroma, complications can occur in the form of hemorrhage, torsion of the leg, suppuration of the tumor, necrosis, degeneration into a malignant form. Ovarian fibroma is often accompanied by ovarian cyst and uterine fibroids, which have a similar etiological development. The small size of the fibroma, as a rule, does not affect the functionality of the ovary and does not interfere with the ability to become pregnant and bear a child.
Diagnosis of ovarian fibroma
For a long period of time, ovarian fibroma proceeds without symptoms. Its detection is often accidental and occurs due to the identification of other diseases. The final diagnosis can be made if there are symptoms, a consultation with a gynecologist who conducts a two-handed examination, which allows you to determine the position of the tumor, the structure of its surface (smooth or nodular), density, stony consistency, mobility, and pain.
Laboratory studies of the general blood test and tumor markers are prescribed. Clarifies the diagnosis of ultrasound, which determines the form of education and other parameters. It may be necessary to perform a pleural puncture followed by a study of cytological material. The final test for the diagnosis of an ovarian tumor is the study of tissue obtained as a result of its removal and verified by diagnostic laparoscopy.
Treatment and prevention of ovarian fibroma
It does not make sense to carry out conservative treatment for women with a diagnosis of ovarian fibroma, since this tumor is not subject to resorption. Only surgical treatment is recommended. The size of the tumor, the age of the patient, the presence of other pathologies, the condition of the second ovary and uterus determine the type of access and the completeness of the surgical intervention. Removal of small fibroids is carried out using a gentle method – laparoscopy. When using it, the fibroma is exfoliated while maintaining all the functions of the ovary.
Removal of large fibromas, when the ovarian tissue is constantly subjected to compression, stretching and in most cases transforms into a cyst capsule, while the follicles undergo complete atrophy, is carried out with complete removal of the ovary. Premenopausal women are advised to remove the appendages. In the case of simultaneous damage to the fibroma of two ovaries, be sure to leave a part of one less affected.
There are no special preventive measures to prevent the occurrence of ovarian fibroids. The prognosis after surgery is almost always favorable. Only 1% of the total number of operated patients is likely to degenerate ovarian fibroma into a malignant tumor. Timely diagnosis of the disease is facilitated by an annual examination by a gynecologist and an ultrasound examination.