Cervical hyperplasia

The proliferation of cells lining the cervix beyond normal levels is called cervical hyperplasia. As a result, the thickness of the endometrium increases, which leads to an increase in the size of the uterus itself and, in some cases, the organs adjacent to it.

The structural parameters of the mucous membrane also change, disrupting the normal functioning of the woman’s genital organs.

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Causes of cervical hyperplasia

Hyperplasia is a quantitative increase in anything, in this case, an increase in the thickness of the endometrium. This pathology is in most cases associated with benign neoplasms, but no doctor will undertake to predict that it will not degenerate into a malignant tumor in the future. Therefore, cervical hyperplasia must be treated without fail, and treated without putting it off.

In the vast majority of cases, the causes of cervical hyperplasia are:

• Hormonal imbalance in a woman's body (for example, with ovarian dysfunction). This failure can trigger a mechanism of rapid disordered division of endometrial cells. Most often, the first symptoms of the pathology appear at 14-20 years (puberty) or after 45 years (onset of menopause).
• Failure in the metabolic process program: obesity, diabetes, etc.
• Late onset of menopause (after age 50).
• The presence of other concomitant diseases in the patient's medical history. Such as uterine fibroids, polycystic ovaries, endometriosis, hypertension, and others.
• Inflammatory processes in the genitals.
• Abortions.
• Clinically prescribed cleanings (fractional diagnostic curettage).
• Intrauterine contraceptive devices used.
• Medicines.
• Operations on the pelvic organs.
• Abrupt discontinuation of hormone-containing drugs.
• Smoking.
• Alcohol.
• Decreased immunity in the patient.
• Early initiation of sexual intercourse.

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Symptoms of cervical hyperplasia

Many patients do not have obvious symptoms of cervical hyperplasia. In some, they are expressed by the following manifestations:

• Increased amount of mucus discharge. Quite often the amount of mucus discharged is so great that a woman has to frequently change both pads and underwear.
• Scanty bloody discharge between menstrual cycles.
• Heavy bleeding during menstruation. It can last for six to seven days, or it can last for several months.
• Irregularities in the menstrual cycle.
• The appearance of contact bleeding that occurs after or during sexual intercourse. This symptom should especially alert a woman, as it may indicate the degeneration of the benign endometrium into a malignant tumor.
• Cessation of ovulation. Female reproductive function declines.

Based on this, every woman must remember that in order not to miss the initial stage of development of cervical hyperplasia, it is necessary, preferably once every six months, to undergo a preventive examination by a gynecologist. It is also necessary to remember that this symptomatology does not specifically belong to this pathology, but may be indicators of another gynecological disease.

Cervical epithelial hyperplasia

The general well-being of a woman, and in particular her reproductive capabilities, is comprehensively affected by all the functioning of the body. But the normal functioning of the female genitals is of particular importance for procreation. Any representative of the fair sex knows that frequent inflammatory processes and infectious diseases of the pelvic organs (without effective treatment) can become chronic diseases. The absence of symptoms, or their sluggish manifestation, make a woman feel calm, believe that all her health problems are behind her, but this is not always the case. Often, hyperplasia of the cervical epithelium begins and develops in the inflammatory focus. This pathology can manifest itself at any age: in a teenage girl during puberty, and in a woman on the threshold of menopause.

The fact that this disease does not always bother its owner much makes it even more dangerous. After all, if the disease is not diagnosed and treated in time, the endometrial cells can degenerate into cancerous structures. In this case, the treatment often needs to be more radical, and the prognosis for the future is less optimistic.

Glandular hyperplasia of the cervix

Modern medicine distinguishes several types of the disease in question:

• Glandular hyperplasia of the cervix. Rapid growth of glandular structures in the cervix. Incompetent doctors may mistake these growths for erosion. They refer patients to cryocautery, which is absolutely forbidden in this situation.
• Cystic type of disease manifestation. Very active formation of cystic formations.
• Glandular-cystic pathology of female genital organs. Proliferation of glandular cells occurs together with rapid formation and growth of cysts.
• Atypical microglandular type of pathology is an increase in the thickness of the cylindrical epithelium of female organs, including the cervix. Such development of the disease gives a real threat of degeneration of neoplasms into tumor structures.
• Microglandular form of the disease. There is a proliferation of cervical glands.

Glandular hyperplasia of the cervix is often characterized by uneven growth of the endometrium, manifested by thickening of the surface of the cervical canal with local foci. Increased division of glandular epithelial cells is observed, with multiple formation of nodules of various sizes and shapes. Glands of various configurations are covered with endocervical epithelium.

If the cervical canal is also affected, thickenings begin to form in the area of the pharynx and along the entire course of the cervix. Hyperplasia of the cervix and damage to the endometrium almost always occur simultaneously. This requires a more careful approach to the diagnosis of the disease from the gynecologist so that the treatment is most effectively directed at the lesion.

Hyperplasia of columnar epithelium of the cervix

Today, ten to fifteen percent of gynecological diseases in women of reproductive age are due to cervical pathology. And this figure is growing every year. Malignant lesions of the cervix today have already taken first place in terms of detection frequency and account for approximately 12% of all cancers diagnosed in women.

Hyperplasia of the cylindrical epithelium of the cervix, being initially a benign neoplasm, has the highest degree of predisposition to degeneration into a cancerous tumor. The basis of this process is the bipotent ability of reserve cells to transform into both flat and cylindrical epithelial cells.

The formation of cylindrical epithelium, on the basis of which cervical hyperplasia develops, can proceed in two directions:

• Actually, hyperplasia of the cylindrical epithelium of the cervix, not flat cells. This is the main way the disease progresses.
• And the development of the disease, by replacing erosion with flat epithelial cells (traumatic and inflammatory genesis) with cylindrical single-layer epithelial structures. A rarer path of development, but still existing.

Cystic hyperplasia of the cervix

Cystic hyperplasia of the cervix is differentiated as a multiple local arrangement of dilated cystic glands, represented not by overgrown, but by a single-row, somewhat compacted epithelium. The basic basis for cystic neoplasms is, often, an increase in the production of fibroblast collagen (a fibrillar protein that is the basis of connective tissue in the human body), which develops under conditions of hypoxia (oxygen starvation) due to stagnant blood processes in the venous system of the small pelvis, and in this case, in the cervix.

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Basal cell hyperplasia of the cervix

Basal cell hyperplasia of the cervix is a rather dangerous precancerous condition of the female organ. This pathology represents about 85% of the total number of pseudo-erosions. By means of histological studies, this disease is differentiated by the severity of the lesion (mild, moderate and severe). But only a gynecologist can state both the diagnosis itself and the degree of its severity based on the provided research results, involving, if necessary, specialists from other fields of medicine, such as oncologists, for consultation. The main differentiating feature of the pathology in question is the absence of invasion of mutating cells into neighboring tissues. That is, the solidity of the basal layer is preserved. If it gets a “hole” and invasive signs begin to appear, then microcarcinoma begins to develop. When it penetrates into the deep layers of the cervix, a picture of the symptoms of the first stage of cervical cancer appears.

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Diagnosis of cervical hyperplasia

To diagnose cervical hyperplasia, an experienced gynecologist often needs only a visual examination of the patient using a mirror. But in most cases, cervical hyperplasia diagnostics is a comprehensive study that includes:

• The doctor takes a smear of flora from the cervical canal for examination. This procedure is performed on all women without exception who are sexually active and who come to the gynecologist for an examination. It is impossible to unambiguously determine whether or not the patient has cervical hyperplasia in her medical history using this analysis.
• Collection of anamnesis data:
  • How heavy is your menstrual flow?
  • Is there any bleeding between menstrual cycles?
  • Is ovulation happening? Difficulties in planning pregnancy. Infertility.
• Colposcopy is a diagnostic method that allows for a more accurate assessment of the condition of the cervical canal of the uterus, using special optical devices with increasing resolution in the study. To increase the level of specificity of the study, the gynecologist uses a special dye that allows for the differentiation of healthy epithelial cells from pathologically altered structures.
• Biopsy. A piece of diseased tissue from the cervical area is taken for examination using a special medical instrument.
• Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs. The thickness of the endometrium in a normal state should not exceed nine millimeters. Allows to determine the nature of the pathological lesion: glandular and glandular-cystic manifestation of the disease on the monitor is presented by an equally distributed tissue structure, while focal is "separate" areas of hyperplasia. Allows, if necessary, to determine gynecological diseases associated with cervical hyperplasia.
• Computed tomography.
• Hysteroscopy. Examination of the uterus, vagina and other gynecological organs by a gynecologist using a special optical probe.
• Study of a woman's hormonal background.
• Clinical analysis of urine and blood.

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Treatment of cervical hyperplasia

In almost any case, treatment of cervical hyperplasia begins with fractional diagnostic curettage of the cervical canal and uterine cavity. This surgical intervention is performed under strict hysteroscopy control. This allows not to miss focal manifestations of cervical hyperplasia, which quite often forms in the corners of the uterus.

The extent of surgical intervention depends on several characteristics, which include:

• Patient's age.
• Associated diseases.
• Severity of the disease.
• A woman's desire to have children in the future.

After the operation, the gynecologist prescribes a course of hormonal drugs to his patient, which should contribute to the fastest possible restoration of the normal endometrium, first of all. And as a result of this, the patient's menstrual cycle should normalize and reproductive functions should be restored. If the patient has already reached the age of 45, then this drug must support the development of a stable menopause.

• Andriol

The medicine is administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously. The doctor prescribes the dosage and method of administration individually. The drug cannot be prescribed to patients suffering from severe renal dysfunction, chronic heart failure, diabetes.

• Duphaston

The drug is taken starting from the fifth day of the menstrual cycle and ending on the 25th day. The daily dosage, divided into two or three doses, is 20–30 mg. The minimum duration of treatment is three months, but its greatest effectiveness is demonstrated when taking the drug for six to nine months.

In cases where ultrasound and biopsy indicate an inadequate response to the progestogen-only drug, the daily dosage is adjusted.

Contraindications for this drug include hypersensitivity to the components of the drug.

• Indivina

This hormonal drug is taken daily, without missing, one tablet at a time, trying to maintain a time interval of 24 hours. The course of treatment is not tied to the menstrual cycle and can be started on any convenient day.

Contraindications to taking this hormonal drug are quite extensive: estrogen-dependent cancerous neoplasms, malignant breast tumors, uterine bleeding of unknown origin, pulmonary embolism, severe venous thrombosis, hypersensitivity to the components of the drug, and others.

After the drug treatment is completed, the patient will still have to periodically visit her attending physician, since she will be registered for a long time. Twice a year, it is necessary to undergo an ultrasound examination to exclude relapses. Only with full compliance with all doctor's instructions is it possible to completely eliminate the threat of developing cancerous tumors on the cervix and other female genital organs.

Another method of treating cervical hyperplasia is laser cauterization. This method makes it possible to cauterize the foci of pathological changes, thereby achieving a positive result. But the most radical method of treatment is still the complete removal of the uterus together with the cervix. Such surgical intervention is used in cases of real cases of relapse, leading to more severe consequences. They try to avoid such an operation if the patient still plans to become a mother, but if the diagnosis does not allow it, doctors go for a complete resection to save the woman's life.

It is also necessary to remember about traditional medicine recipes. In this matter, the opinion of doctors is unambiguous - it is unacceptable to carry out treatment with folk remedies for cervical hyperplasia! These tinctures and ointments should be used only as supportive therapy and with the consent of the attending physician.

The following recipes from folk experience are considered quite effective in this regard:

1. For cervical hyperplasia, you can drink 50 mg of this tincture before meals:
   • Boil 30 grams of field horsetail for seven to ten minutes, pouring one liter of boiled water at room temperature.
   • Next, add another 20 grams of buckthorn bark to this mixture and leave to simmer on the fire for another five minutes.
   • Add approximately one tablespoon of crushed St. John's wort and chamomile to the resulting decoction. Let it sit on the stove for another five minutes.
   • After this, the mixture is removed from the heat, and the liquid component of the infusion is separated from the herb itself using gauze.
   • The resulting decoction is mixed with half a liter of rosehip infusion.
   • The resulting composition is poured into a dark glass container and stored in a cool place.
2. Also a good decoction with immunostimulating and antiseptic properties, which is easy to prepare and can be drunk for cervical hyperplasia:
   • Rinse thoroughly under running water an amount of onion peel equal to approximately one glass.
   • Pour half a liter of warm boiled water.
   • Boil the resulting mixture over a fire in a container with a closed lid.
   • Strain thoroughly.
   • Add 50 grams of honey to the resulting broth.
   • Drink one glass (200 ml) three to four times a day.
   • The course of treatment is five days.
   • Take a break for four to five days.
   • It is advisable to carry out six such maintenance cycles.

Finally, I would like to warn those who want to treat cervical hyperplasia on their own once again. You should not do this, and you can use the experience of traditional medicine in your treatment - please, but only after consultation and with the permission of your doctor.

Prevention of cervical hyperplasia

It is important that the prevention of cervical hyperplasia, like any other disease, primarily comes down to timely diagnosis of the disease, which can already be called one of the components of preventive measures to prevent the degeneration and growth of cancerous tumors. It should also be noted that, according to observations of specialists, the risk of transformation of benign cells into malignant structures is greater in women during menopause than in young girls.

So what points can be attributed to the prevention of cervical hyperplasia:

• In this disease, all types of physiotherapy procedures are contraindicated.
• Women need to monitor the state of their immune system.
• Try to maintain metabolic and exchange processes at the proper level.
• Avoid abortions. Any surgical intervention is a trauma for the body.
• A woman's sex life should be constant. But its excess, as well as its deficiency, are harmful to the health of both women and men. It is desirable to have one permanent partner.
• Avoid overexposure to sunlight and visiting solariums.
• Minimize the consumption of products that contain preservatives, colorings, emulsifiers... Avoid fast food products.
• It is necessary to minimize the use of contraceptives. Such means should be prescribed only by a gynecologist.
• Do not abuse hormonal drugs.
• Try to keep your body weight in the hole. Deviations in either direction lead to a failure in the systemic processes of the body, which leads to the onset of the disease.
• Bring treatment of inflammatory and infectious diseases of the pelvic organs to a logical conclusion in a timely manner.
• Modern women often refuse to breastfeed their children in order not to lose the shape of their breasts. But breastfeeding can be called a good preventive measure against cervical hyperplasia and reproductive functions of women in general. However, prolonged breastfeeding is also dangerous for women (there is excessive production of prolactin).
• It is desirable for a woman to have more than one child. During pregnancy, the body of the expectant mother begins to produce gestagens, which are able to effectively resist the formation of malignant cells.
• In any case, you should not self-medicate.
• It is necessary to undergo preventive examination by a gynecologist regularly, at least twice a year.
• You should not get carried away with the douching procedure, you cannot constantly use tampons during menstruation. All this can injure the mucous membrane of the cervix and the uterus itself.
• It is also necessary to remember that periodic relapses (especially after several surgeries) are the first sign of the transformation of benign neoplasms into cancer cells.
• It is necessary to lead an active, healthy lifestyle, as smoking and alcohol can trigger the development of cervical hyperplasia.

Prognosis of cervical hyperplasia

The prognosis of cervical hyperplasia largely depends on the causes of its occurrence and, most importantly, on the type of its course. Therefore, such a prognosis can be favorable if the diagnosis of the disease was made on time and the patient received high-quality and effective treatment. For women who are still planning to become mothers in the foreseeable future, it is necessary to remember that inattention to their health can lead to cervical hyperplasia, and this, if not treated, is a direct path to infertility and diseases more serious than not giving birth to a child, for example, to cancerous tumors.

Dear women, if you want to see yourself healthy, beautiful, loved, take care of yourself, first of all, yourself. After all, most diseases are easier to prevent or cure at an early stage of manifestation than to fight its severe complications. Cervical hyperplasia is no exception. Adhere to basic hygiene rules in your daily life, use preventive methods, do not neglect visiting a gynecologist for an examination, at least once every six months. This will not take much of your time and effort. It will be much more difficult when the disease is diagnosed, and even at a severe stage.