Uterine myoma: what it is, types, symptoms and causes

The diagnosis of uterine myoma - is it dangerous? Uterine myoma is a benign formation (tumor). Often such formations do not develop into malignant ones. However, if treatment is not started in time, the node can grow so big that it compresses the surrounding tissues and organs. Then there will be a risk of internal bleeding. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo regular examinations, and consult a doctor at any discomfort in the pelvis.

Uterine myoma - what is it

A uterine myoma is a benign formation formed from two types of tissue: from connective tissue - fibroid, from muscular tissue - leiomyoma. It can be a small barely noticeable node or so large that it seems as if the woman is pregnant. If the formation is small and does not bother you, it can only be detected by chance during a routine ultrasound.

Types of myomas

Uterine myomas are differentiated by the direction of growth:

• Subperitoneal - directed toward the abdominal cavity through the submucosa.
• Submucosal - towards the uterine cavity.
• Intrathecal - located in the thickness of the muscular layer of the uterus.
• Neck - located in the cervix.

Also, uterine myomas can be intercostal and parasitic. Ultrasound or other types of diagnostics help to determine the location of the nodes and the direction of growth.

Myoma can be single or multiple, depending on the number of nodes. There are three stages of uterine myoma:

1. Nodes grow into the myometrium (the middle muscular layer of tissue) by less than half.
2. Nodes grow into the myometrium by more than half.
3. The node fuses with the mucosa, and there is no myometrium between them.

How uterine myoma manifests itself

Symptoms:

• Unusually profuse discharge during menstruation is the main manifestation.
• Anemia, weakness, low blood pressure caused by blood loss.
• Lower abdominal pain, which is felt simultaneously in the groin and lower back. During menses, the pain intensifies, becoming cramping-like.
• Constipation, frequent urges to urination due to the fact that the myoma grows towards the excretory organs. The myoma takes up a lot of space and squeezes the bladder, reducing the space in the intestines.
• Pregnancy does not occur.

Causes

The exact cause of uterine myoma formation is unknown. There are factors that are associated with its appearance. Myomas often occur when there is an imbalance of female hormones. When less progesterone is produced, there are more estrogens in the ratio. Estrogens provoke cell growth. Myomas appear because of such factors:

• Prolonged inflammation of the female urogenital system.
• Absence of periods for several months.
• Termination of pregnancy or miscarriage.
• Systemic diseases - diabetes, overweight, hypertension, adrenal and thyroid disorders.
• Heredity - if grandmother and mother had myoma, the risk increases.
• Frequent and prolonged stress, depression impair the functioning of all organs and body systems.
• Taking certain medications.
• Early puberty and late reproductive period.

Only a doctor can diagnose myoma. He will find out the symptoms, examine the woman, conduct an ultrasound or other procedures, prescribe tests if necessary. Then he will choose an appropriate treatment.