Myomas benign tumors with consequences

Myomas: Benign tumors with evil consequences

08/08/2013

Tumors are associated with the most serious illnesses. And rightly so. For physicians, these can be detected relatively quickly in investigations. On the other hand, fibroids, which are benign tumors that proliferate in the muscular layer of the uterus (myometrium), are usually difficult to diagnose and can develop in any woman.

In Germany, more than 25% of all women over 35 years develop a fibroid in the uterus. Most of them remain symptom free, but some suffer from pain and massive bleeding disorders that significantly affect their quality of life. In Europe, every fourth to sixth woman of childbearing age is affected.

What are fibroids??
Fibroids are growths that can occur in the muscular layer of the uterus. They are the most common benign tumors of the female genital tract. In most cases, they go completely unnoticed. Only when it comes to problems, medics must intervene. Often, women are advised to completely remove the uterus. However, this should only be considered as a last resort. There are also gentler methods.

How do myomas develop??
About the formation of fibroids can so far only guess. Prof. Matthias David from the Women's Hospital of the Charité in Berlin explains: "What is best known is that there is a genetic component". For example, Black African women get fibroids more often and earlier. With you the defect will very often also pass on to the daughters. Research also shows that increased estrogen levels promote growth.

Responsible for nutrition
The physicians have also found legumes, wheat, softeners and animal protein as a growth catalyst, says the specialist Reinhild Georgieff, Chairman of the Association Natum, the German Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics.

Investigations are not reliable
Since women are usually examined by ultrasound only at age 35 and older during cancer screening, the tumors are often detected only from this age. And often only by chance, since a complaint freedom does not allow suspicion.

In women of younger age, there are no reliable studies, says Prof. Gerlinde Debus, chief physician of the gynecological clinic at the Dachau Hospital. One thing the doctor can say for sure: women who come into the menopause, no longer have to reckon with the emergence of this proliferation. Old tumors often recur at this age.

Sometimes fibroids are directly noticeable: first and foremost, symptoms are strong and fibroids can also be felt indirectly. If they become too big, they displace other organs, thereby pressing on the intestine and bladder. In rare cases it can come for pain during intercourse. Even women who have been trying to get pregnant for a long time should be checked for fibroids. Sitting directly under the uterine lining prevents the implantation of fertilized ice.

Hormones can make tumors grow stronger
Under the influence of pregnancy hormones tumors can grow even more. If the fibroid has grown so much that it can lead to complications during childbirth, the women have to expect a caesarean section. "Right now, the trend is to seek fibroids for a planned pregnancy and treat them beforehand," says Debus.

treatment options
There are now better therapies. Also, the patients had become more self-confident and resisted quick operations, Debus has found. Most fibroids can be removed today by a small abdominal incision or by the vagina. Just a few years ago, it was common for health problems to completely remove the uterus.

Embolization is considered an alternative to surgery and has been used more frequently lately. In the process, tiny plastic balls are flushed into the uterine artery via a catheter. This closes off the blood vessels that feed the fibroids and deprives them of their food. However, it is not certain that the patient will continue to be fertile afterwards.

sonication
For women who want to keep the desire to have children, the ultrasound comes closest to the question. Bundled ultrasound waves kill targeted fibroids. In addition, hormone supplements that cause menopausal symptoms can reduce fibroids. However, they will grow again as soon as the hormones are discontinued.

Naturopathic expert Georgieff recommends anthroposophic and herbal remedies that also help against pain and bleeding to patients who wish to undergo alternative treatment. Which treatment is good for her, each patient must ultimately decide for herself. Important is good advice - even from several doctors. And peace in dealing with the fibroids, because some rash decision can not be undone. (Fr)

Picture: Rainer Sturm