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Fibroma called a mature benign tumor, which is formed from the connective tissue in women, mainly in the age range from 30 to 40 years. These tumors occur in the uterus or other organs with smooth muscle walls. Fibroma can manifest as a single type of seal or as a cluster of nodules. Its growth occurs gradually without symptoms. Only 25% of fibroids are symptomatic and therefore treatable. These tumors range in size from microscopic to several centimeters.
Causes of uterine fibroids
Fibroma that has arisen in the uterus has a mature benign character. Its connective type structure comes from the walls of the uterus itself. The etiology of the development of such a tumor is currently uncertain. It has been observed that women of the Negroid race are more likely to develop fibroids than women of the European race. The researcher and associate fibroma with hereditary factors and increased sensitivity of hormonal levels to estrogens. Although the presence of these causes does not always give the development of fibroids.
There are a number of additional factors that affect the occurrence of a tumor. These include artificial termination of pregnancy, childbirth with complications, chronic gynecological diseases, frequent curettage, carried out for the purpose of diagnosis. Indirect reasons include the late onset of the menstrual cycle, the lack of sexual activity or its irregularity, the absence of childbirth before the age of thirty. Additional reasons also include obesity, physical inactivity, diabetes, frequent stress, etc.
The reason for the growth of the tumor may lie in the use of tablets containing estrogen in order to prevent pregnancy or treat menopause. Observations of doctors show a connection between the development of fibroids with the menstrual cycle. Until it is fully established, at a young age, it does not occur. At the onset of menopause, the risk of uterine fibroids is also unlikely due to the natural decrease in estrogen levels. But during pregnancy, its level rises and the tumor, if it is present in the uterus, can begin active growth.
Symptoms of uterine fibroids
Most women with uterine fibroids do not experience any symptoms, and only 25% of women have clinical symptoms, which depend on the location of the tumor relative to the pelvic organs, its size, number and direction of growth of fibroma nodes. A symptom characteristic of fibroma is prolonged menstruation, which turns into bleeding from the uterus (the menstrual cycle may fail). Companions of such factors are pain and cramps in the abdominal cavity, released blood clots.
The sensation in the pelvic region of discomfort and heaviness is associated with pressure on neighboring organs of fibrous nodules. Pain in the perineum and lower back are symptoms that indicate compression of the nerves associated with the lower extremities. Frequent urge to urinate, constipation, and painful bowel movements may indicate uterine fibroids. Most likely this is pressure on the bladder and rectum of a growing fibroma. A tumor in the uterus can be manifested by pain during intimacy.
Diagnosis of uterine fibroids
A preliminary diagnosis is made at a gynecologist’s appointment by a vaginal bimanual (performed with two hands) examination. It allows you to determine the increase in the uterus, its dense texture, tuberosity on the surface. Ultrasound of the transvaginal type is used to clarify the location of the fibroma and its parameters. X-ray makes it possible to determine the type of fibroma. If necessary, to rule out uterine cancer, a biopsy is prescribed, followed by a histological examination.
Treatment of uterine fibroids
Treatment of uterine fibroids relies on the results of the diagnosis. An asymptomatic tumor requires observation in dynamics without the use of medications. With the size of uterine fibroids up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, conservative therapy is used. It includes the intake of iron-containing drugs, vitamins, NSAIDs. The basis of such therapy is hormonal agents of various groups. Surgical intervention is indicated for tumor growth and a vivid clinical picture. Depending on the diagnosis, this may be an operation to remove the fibrous node with the preservation of the uterus or its complete removal.
Fibroma of the vagina
Vaginal fibroma is a benign tumor that is formed by nodules from the connective tissue of the vagina and may tend to grow. Its initial stage is not clinically manifested in any way, and further progression makes itself felt with pulling pains in the lower abdomen, which sometimes intensify at the time of sexual intercourse. This fibroma is formed in the thickness of the vaginal wall without touching the mucous membrane, therefore it is visually invisible when examined by a gynecologist, although its dimensions are quite large.
It is possible to diagnose a tumor with the help of simultaneous palpation of the anterior abdominal wall and inside the vagina. The overall picture of symptoms and the size of the tumor determine further treatment. A small vaginal fibroma, diagnosed incidentally and not disturbing the woman, is subject to further observation without treatment. A growing fibroma with a manifested clinical picture is removed promptly. After surgical treatment, removal of nodules, the patient continues her normal life.
Prevention of uterine and vaginal fibroids
There are no special methods for preventing uterine and vaginal fibroids, but the risk of their occurrence will be significantly reduced by eliminating some factors, which are abortions, chronic diseases, uncontrolled use of contraception, etc. A good method of prevention is regular visits to a gynecologist and compliance with his recommendations.