Squamous metaplasia of the cervix. Diagnosis of squamous metaplasia of the glandular epithelium of the cervix. Cervical metaplasia can be cured.

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More than 80% of women of reproductive age suffer from cervical pathologies. However, pathology is different from pathology. Some may not pose a threat to a woman’s life, while others inevitably lead to cancer. This article will discuss cervical metaplasia. Let's talk about how dangerous this disease is and how to cure it.

What is cervical metaplasia?

The very concept of metaplasia implies changes in the cells of the cervix, which lead to pathology. Simply put, cervical metaplasia is a precancerous condition. If you do not urgently treat this pathology, then in almost 100% of cases it will develop into cancer.

This disease most often occurs in patients who have reached the age of fifty. Metaplasia is very rare in young girls. At a late stage, this disease is quite difficult to cure; it is easier to eliminate it in its infancy. This is why all women undergoing menopause are advised to regularly visit a gynecologist.

Let's discuss in detail all the nuances of cervical metaplasia, so that when faced with it, we have a complete understanding and plan of action. See below for a photo of this pathology.

Reasons for the development of the disease

The most possible causes of the formation of cervical metaplasia are viruses and bacteria that live in the woman’s genitourinary system. The most dangerous is the oncogenic type papillomavirus. After all, it is the one that precedes cancer formations.

In addition to this virus, other infections also cause cervical metaplasia:

• herpes;
• chlamydia;
• ureaplasma;
• gonococci;
• toxoplasma.

By themselves, they do not cause changes in cells, but their long-term presence in the body will lead to a chronic inflammatory process. And it, in turn, will cause changes in the cells of the cervix, which will lead to oncology.

Indeed, everything in our body is interconnected. Without noticing a minor problem, you can lead to incurable consequences. How important it is to do everything on time!

Risk factors

There is a group of patients who are at risk of developing cervical metaplasia. These are patients who are predisposed to cancer. What can indirectly contribute to the development of such a pathology. There are two groups.

General factors. These include things that weaken the immune system and cause changes in the body.

• Smoking tobacco;
• alcohol abuse;
• poor environmental living conditions;
• constant work in hazardous industries;
• food containing carcinogens.

Local factors. These are the factors that are inherent to a particular organism and its changes. For example:

• Hormonal imbalance;
• mechanical damage to the genital organs;
• constant inflammation;
• frequent abortions;
• promiscuity.

All these reasons are not capable of independently causing cervical metaplasia. However, having additional diseases, together all these factors can contribute to the development of pathology.

Symptoms

The main danger of cervical metaplasia is that it often occurs without any clinical manifestations. The woman is not worried about anything, so she will not go to the doctor. But in fact, she began to develop pathological processes in the cells of the cervix. If left unnoticed, they will develop into dysplasia and then into cancer. Be sure to visit your gynecologist once a year and get screened for metaplasia.

Nevertheless, sometimes this pathology makes itself felt. Symptoms usually appear as a combination with another pathology. For example, cervical metaplasia often accompanies the following diseases:

• erosion;
• papilloma;
• condyloma;
• infection.

With such concomitant problems, the patient experiences the following problems:

• failure of the menstrual cycle (too long or too short intervals);
• constant pain during sex (this is caused by the fact that the integrity of the epithelial coating is damaged);
• discharge (cheesy, brown, milky, bloody);
• changes in hormonal levels (sharp increase or decrease in body weight, rash).

Women going through menopause often attribute these symptoms to menopause. They believe that all this should happen during menopause and therefore do not go to the doctor. However, this is not correct.

Forms of the disease

The disease has three forms. They do not in any way affect the process of the disease, but they have a different prognosis for recovery. Another point that led to the division of metaplasia into types is that the epithelium in the cervix has different types.

• Immature metaplasia of the cervix. This form is the least favorable for the patient’s health. It is very difficult to attribute these pathological cells to a specific type of epithelium. In the smear, the doctor observes pathological cells that are small in size and randomly located in the epithelium. The cytoplasm of the cervical cells is disrupted.
• Squamous metaplasia of the cervix with dyskaryosis. Dyskaryosis is a phenomenon of abnormal division in the nucleus in the form of mitoses. This type is more differentiated compared to immature metaplasia.
• Squamous metaplasia of the cervix. The epithelium has the characteristics of a normal cell. Only the arrangement of the cells is abnormal. Problem cells are located in the cervical canal area.

Diagnostics

The main thing in examining a woman for metaplasia is the correct gynecological smear. IN smear epidermal cells are located. If the material is not collected in full, it will be impossible to track the development of pathology. For what reasons is the material for analysis considered inferior?

• Negligence when collecting material;
• The cervix is ​​difficult to see in the mirror;
• All conditions for collecting material for examination for metaplasia have not been met;
• The smear was taken thin or thick;
• The material is not colored enough for research;
• Presence of blood in the smear;
• The smear is poorly distributed on the laboratory glass;
• There are foreign substances in the smear (lubricant, sperm, gel, cream, etc.)

In addition to the smear, additional diagnostic methods should be performed.

Colposcopy. This is an examination of the cervix using a special magnifying colposcope. The cervix is ​​preliminarily stained with a solution, which allows visualization of damaged areas of the cervix. Using this diagnostic method, it is possible to detect cervical metaplasia, even if it was not visible during examination on the mirror.

Scraping. The uterine cavity is scraped to examine its contents for the presence of atypical cells.

Treatment

This disease is treated by two methods. First, conservative treatment with drugs is used, and then, if it does not bring results, surgery begins. Let's start looking at the treatment regimens in order.

Conservative method. It includes treatment with medications. These drugs will be aimed at eliminating the cause that caused the metaplasia. Since this is the main cause of viral etiology, treatment will be aimed at eliminating viruses and bacteria. If metaplasia is caused by human papillomavirus, then the active drugs are Panavir and Genferon.

Panavir Available in the form of suppositories, tablets and injection solutions. The usual regimen for taking suppositories is 1 suppository twice a day. Reception time is 30 days. The course can be repeated in a month. The cream is applied to the external genitalia twice a day for two weeks.

Genferon. 1 suppository in the vagina twice a day for 10 days. The course can be repeated in a month.

If metaplasia is caused by bacteria in the vagina, then a course of antibiotic therapy is prescribed. Several drugs are effective.

Terzhinan. Suppositories are inserted into the vagina once a day for 10 days. These drugs eliminate itching and other associated unpleasant manifestations of metaplasia. After passing the tests, the course can be repeated.

Neotrizol. These are suppositories that need to be inserted into the vagina at night. The course of treatment is about 8 days. If after eight days the unpleasant symptoms do not go away, then the course should be continued.

Surgical method of treatment. If metaplasia has reached a severe level, and conservative treatment has not yielded results, then they resort to surgical treatment. It includes:

• Canal curettage is a rather crude method of treatment. It is used when other methods are not available.
• Cone cutting is cutting off a piece of the cervix with the affected area. The advantage is complete removal of the affected area. However, the method is still invasive.
• Electrocoagulation is the effect of non-metaplasia with electric current.
• Laser therapy – pathological cells are evaporated by laser.

Prevention

The main thing is to exclude factors that may affect the process of metaplasia development. And this:

• Smoking and drinking;
• Binge eating;
• Use of GMO products in food;
• Unsanitary conditions in caring for the genitals.

A non-standard method of prevention is vaccination against cervical cancer. The question of whether to take it should be decided by a woman individually with her doctor.

So, cervical metaplasia has a positive prognosis for treatment if it is noticed in time and treatment is started in a timely manner. The main thing is to prevent the development of cancer.

Content

Cervical metaplasia often leads to the appearance of cancerous tumors. If diagnosis is delayed and there is no drug therapy, negative consequences are possible. The presented pathology in most cases develops in women over 45 years of age. But sometimes patients at a young age also turn to doctors.

With the progression of cervical metaplasia, there is a possibility of malignancy in the future, so it is important to identify the disease at the initial stage. That is why it is necessary to visit your doctor regularly for examination.

Causes

Main factor of progression cervical metaplasias are pathogenic bacteria.

In most cases, patients are diagnosed with papillomavirus, which can be transmitted to the female genital organs. As a result of such exposure, papillomas and condylomas of the cervix develop.

The infection can affect the cervix for a long time without obvious signs. After bacteria penetrate the body, they can cause the development of ureoplasma, gonococci and chlamydia. The latter penetrate the cells and remain in them for a long time.

The causes of cervical metaplasia are difficult to determine, but scientists have proven that the main factor is infection by the human papillomavirus. It plays an important role in the progression of changes in cell tissues.

Risk factors

Are common

These include bad habits, alcoholic beverages, unhealthy diet, poor environmental situation and consumption of carcinogenic products. During pathological changes in the body, activity and protective reactions decrease. Morphological and functional changes occur inside the body.

Local

This group of risk factors includes early onset of sexual activity, promiscuity, infectious and inflammatory diseases of the female genital organs, frequent mechanical abortions, disruption of normal hormonal levels and traumatic injuries.

Pathogenesis

Pathological changes are observed in patients of different ages, so when the first signs appear, it is important to immediately seek help from a doctor. The healthy epithelial layer of the cervix has the following structure:

• flat stratified non-keratinizing epithelium - it is located near the vaginal canal and is its continuation;
• intermediate zone - this layer is located near the cervix;
• columnar epithelium - it lines the entire cavity of the cervix and cervical canal.

If pathogenic bacteria do not affect the cervix, then all the layers do not mix with each other, and a clear boundary is clearly visible.

After penetration of the viral agent, a disease such as cervical metaplasia begins to develop. Pathogenic bacteria penetrate inside the cells and the integrity of the nuclear membranes is disrupted. They begin chaotic division and epithelial cells with nuclear atypia appear. It is for this reason that it is important to start treatment on time.

Affected cells will not be able to ensure normal protein synthesis within the body, so dysplastic processes develop. Due to such disorders, cervical metaplasia appears.

Symptoms

In most cases, metaplasia in the cervix occurs without obvious signs and symptoms. But every woman should know the common clinical manifestations in order to detect pathological changes in the body in time and begin treatment.

Cervical metaplasia means dangerous condition and the presence of morphological changes in the body.

For this reason, it is important for women to undergo regular screening. As cervical metaplasia progresses, sexual intercourse becomes painful and discomfort appears. This is due to the fact that the dysplastic epithelium begins to be injured and bleed. During menopause, the symptoms are less pronounced and women often confuse this disease with menopause, so they do not seek help from a doctor.

Metaplasia causes the appearance of condylomas, infectious diseases and cervical erosions. In women, discharge begins to increase, having a milky tint and a cheesy consistency. At the same time, a specific and characteristic odor appears.

Forms

There are several forms of cervical metaplasia:

• immature;
• squamous;
• squamous metaplasia in combination with dyskaryosis.

To make a correct diagnosis, it is necessary to take smears from the vagina. During diagnosis, specialists note the small size of the cells and blurred boundaries. Cells of the cytoplasm are distinguished by their disturbed structure and the presence of structural elements.

Diagnostic methods

Diagnose cervical metaplasia possible during a preventive examination with a gynecologist.

A biopsy is required to confirm the diagnosis and identify malignant lesions. Doctors carefully examine all histological types of tissue. If there are no signs of malignant transformation in the epithelial tissues, then doctors may not prescribe treatment.

Treatment is prescribed exclusively on an individual basis and after a comprehensive diagnosis. It is also important to take smears to assess the condition of the cells and their boundaries. Colposcopy may be required for additional examination. The doctor will thoroughly study the structure of the cervix using a special device that displays an image on a monitor screen. Thanks to this diagnostic method, the specialist will be able to examine in detail areas of metaplasia that cannot be seen during a routine preventive examination.

Treatment methods

After confirming the diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe treatment to prevent the development of cancer.

Therapy can be conservative or surgical, Therefore, it is assigned exclusively on an individual basis.

Conservative

Metaplasia of viral origin is treated with drugs that have an antiviral effect. The drugs suppress the activity of viruses and prevent them from multiplying.

If bacteria are present in the smear, it is advisable to prescribe treatment with antibacterial drugs. Patients take complex medications - these are antibiotic and antifungal agents. Squamous metaplasia is treated with vaginal anti-inflammatory suppositories and medications that increase immunity.

Operational

If drug treatment does not bring positive results, the doctor decides on surgical intervention. It includes laser vaporization, cone exposure, electrocoagulation and cervical curettage. The choice of treatment depends on the doctor’s testimony and the results of the diagnosis.

Metaplasia refers to serious diseases that develop in the cervix. This pathology requires treatment at the initial stage of development to prevent the appearance of a cancerous tumor. As a preventive measure, it is recommended to regularly visit a gynecologist for examination.

Cervical metaplasia seems to be a frightening diagnosis. Women over 50 years of age are more susceptible to the disease. The pathological process can be detected during a routine gynecological examination, but for proper differentiation it is necessary to perform a detailed examination.

Cervical diseases occupy a leading place among all pathologies of the pelvic organs in women. While some of them do not pose a serious danger, others can lead to cancer.

Squamous metaplasia of the cervix - what is it?

Metaplasia in women on the cervix does not appear unexpectedly. This disease develops over time and represents a change in the epithelial layer of the mucous membrane.

Metaplasia– the process of replacing differentiated cells of one type with others while maintaining the type and affiliation of the tissue.

Metaplastic epithelium of the cervix is ​​formed as a result of pathological processes occurring in the pelvic cavity of a woman. Normally, the cervix is ​​divided into two main parts: squamous and columnar epithelium.

Metaplasia means their mixing, whereas in the normal state they have clear boundaries. Pathology can develop due to the layering of squamous epithelium on the cylindrical one.

Also, as a result of uncontrolled cell division, replacement of part of the squamous epithelium with cylindrical epithelium can occur. The disease is a benign tumor process, but its malignancy cannot be ruled out.

Types of metaplasia

Squamous metaplasia has several types of cervical lesions. The type of pathology can only be reliably established based on diagnostic results. The nature of the disease does not affect the course, but plays a decisive role in the choice of treatment tactics.

Immature.

It is difficult to diagnose and for this reason poses a serious threat, since the risk of malignancy is not reduced. During examination, cells of different shapes and with different boundaries are found. The difficulty of diagnosis lies in the difficulty of determining the identity of the detected epithelium.

Squamous.

Accompanied by the replacement of cells, which at first glance do not differ from those natural for this area. The main feature that attracts attention is the unusual location. This disease is characterized by the extension of squamous epithelium beyond the intermediate zone.

Squamous with dyskaryosis.

It is the easiest to differentiate. Being a mature form, the pathology is characterized by abnormal division in the nucleus and the formation of cells of the same shape.

Causes

Metaplasia of the epithelium on the cervix occurs as a result of exposure to aggressive agents, which are usually bacteria and viruses. The latter pose a particular danger.

Human papillomavirus and certain types of herpes simplex virus lead to malignancy of the mucous membrane, and this, in turn, can be fatal. Among the bacteria that can provoke a pathological process are:

• Chlamydia;
• Ureaplasma;
• Toxoplasma;
• Gonococci.

The risk group includes women who have had any interventions in the uterine cavity (abortions, curettage, diagnostic procedures). The disease can also be triggered by unfavorable factors: bad habits, frequent changes of sexual partners, poor intimate hygiene.

Diagnosis and clarification of diagnosis

Squamous metaplasia is not difficult to detect on the mucous membrane of the cervix. During a gynecological examination using a speculum, the doctor is able to determine that the epithelium has an unnatural structure, and its boundaries are broken or displaced.

Nothing more can be learned about the pathology during examination. To clarify the diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct an examination, which includes the following list of manipulations:

Colposcopy.

The mucous membrane of the cervix is ​​studied under multiple magnification and treated with chemical compounds that allow the reaction to determine areas of increased risk of malignancy.

Biopsy.

A portion of the epithelium is collected and histologically studied, which provides accurate data on the nature and stage of the pathology.

Cytological examination.

Biomaterial is taken from several areas of the cervical mucosa, which makes it possible to determine the pathological process.

Bacteriological research.

Detects the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in a smear.

Complex diagnostics allows you to find out as much information as possible about the type of disease and differentiate it from others that have similar clinical manifestations: leukoplakia, cervicitis, polyps and the like.

The clinical picture of metaplasia is characterized by the appearance of colored discharge, breakthrough bleeding and pain during mechanical action on the cervical mucosa.

Can metaplasia be cured?

To treat cervical metaplasia, medication is initially used. It involves the use of drugs whose action is aimed at eliminating the provocateur of the pathology.

If a viral infection is determined, medications are prescribed Panavir, Genferon and Kipferon. If bacterial pathology is detected, apply Terzhinan, Neotrizol, Macmiror and others. The course of treatment combines oral medications and local medications.

If conservative therapy does not bring the desired result, then the patient is prescribed surgical treatment, which involves:

• Curettage of the cervical canal and uterus;
• Conical removal of the affected area;
• Electrocoagulation with cauterization by current;
• Laser exposure and evaporation of unnatural cells.

Forecast

With timely detection and treatment, metaplasia has a favorable prognosis. After identifying the cause of the pathology and eliminating it, the mucous membrane is able to recover on its own.

Surgical treatment requires mandatory drug therapy in the future. In the absence of treatment and progression of the pathological process, the prognosis will be disappointing.

The disease is prone to malignancy, especially with viral etiology. Therefore, patients should not leave it to chance.

Squamous metaplasia of the cervix is ​​a condition in which the properties of tissues change, acquiring characteristics of another tissue within the same histotype. According to the clinical classification, this condition belongs to benign processes.

Pathogenesis

Metaplasia develops over a long period of time. Single-layer cervical cells are predominantly replaced by multilayer flat ones.

In a healthy woman, there are two types of epithelium in the cervix: flat stratified epithelium covering the ectocervis, and prismatic (cylindrical) lining the endocervical canal. Between them there is an intermediate zone, which is characterized by a complete absence of epithelium.

Under the influence of some triggering factor, for example, a virus, a layer of flat epithelial cells forms under the layer of prismatic epithelium. Gradually it grows, replacing the top layer of cylindrical tissue. This phenomenon is called metaplasia.

Causes

Metaplasia of the uterine epithelium can have different causes. Infections are considered the most likely. Among them:

1. Viruses – herpes (highly oncogenic), human papilloma (causes dysplastic processes).
2. Bacteria – chlamydia, toxoplasma, gonococcus, ureplasma. They are not in themselves the cause of the development of metaplasia, however, they linger inside for a long time, supporting the inflammatory process.

Most often, the disease affects women who have crossed the 50-year mark, but its diagnosis in young women is not excluded.

Predisposing factors

Risk factors – general and local – play an important role in the development of pathology. The first include bad habits (tobacco, alcohol), poor environmental conditions, working in hazardous industries, and eating food containing carcinogens. All this weakens the immune system and causes morpho-functional changes in the body.

Local risk factors for metaplasia of the uterine epithelium include hormonal disorders, injuries, inflammatory processes in the pelvic organs, operations and abortions, and promiscuous sex life.

Clinical manifestations

Cervical metaplasia itself is not a malignant process and is not even considered a precancerous disease. But this state cannot be called positive either. The diagnosis requires monitoring the woman and determining the cause, as it indicates the occurrence of a chronic pathological process in the body. In addition, it is possible that metaplasia will transform first into cervical dysplasia, and subsequently into cancer.

The main danger of squamous metaplasia is that it is asymptomatic for a long time. This is why it is important to regularly screen for the disease.

Symptoms most often appear with some concomitant pathology. For example, if squamous metaplasia is accompanied by erosions, condylomas, papillomas, and infectious processes. The following nonspecific symptoms should alert a woman:

• Menstrual cycle disorders (increase or decrease in duration, too heavy or scanty bleeding, delays).
• Pain during intimacy.
• Vaginal discharge.
• Hormonal imbalances.

The discharge has a different character: milky, cheesy, brown with a pungent odor. Pain during sex is caused by a violation of the integrity of the atypical epithelium. At the end of sexual intercourse, bloody discharge is possible.

Older women often attribute the above symptoms to menopause and do not consult a doctor. This is not surprising given the nonspecific clinical presentation. That is why the appearance of the above symptoms requires consultation with a specialist.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of metaplasia is carried out by histological examination of a vaginal smear. The doctor takes it during a routine examination of the patient or when dealing with alarming symptoms. If the results of the analysis reveal deviations from the norm, the woman is referred for additional diagnostics, which includes:

• Colposcopy is an examination of the cervix with a special instrument.
• Targeted biopsy under colposcopy control.
• Diagnostic curettage – curettage of the uterine cavity.

It is important to differentiate metaplasia of the uterine epithelium from other pathologies: erosions, polyps, condylomas, leukoplakias, malignant lesions, etc.

Treatment

After a diagnosis of squamous metaplasia of the cervix is ​​made, the patient is sent for treatment. It is important to note that treatment for the disease should be started without delay, following all the recommendations of the attending physician. Otherwise, malignancy, i.e., malignant lesion of the cervix, cannot be ruled out. Treatment of metaplasia depends on the extent of the process. At the initial stage, conservative therapy is used, at an advanced stage they resort to surgical intervention.

Conservative therapy

Involves the use of a complex of medications. If a woman is diagnosed with human papillomavirus, the most likely cause of metaplasia, antiviral therapy is prescribed. The most common drugs for neutralizing HPV are Panavir and Genferon. They neutralize the effect of the virus by acting on the nucleic acid and interfere with the process of division of viral particles.

If bacteria are found in the smear, antibacterial treatment is indicated. Preference is given to complex medications: Terzhinan or Neotrizol. The drugs are used in courses, between which a histological examination is carried out.

To eliminate the inflammatory process, anti-inflammatory vaginal suppositories are prescribed, and immunomodulators are prescribed to strengthen the immune system.

Surgical treatment

The operation is indicated for moderate and severe degrees of metaplasia of the uterine epithelium. At these stages, conservative treatment, as a rule, does not bring positive results. In addition, malignancy cannot be excluded during treatment. Surgical treatment methods include:

1. Scraping the cervical canal is the most “rough” method, which is used in cases where other methods of surgery are impossible for one reason or another.
2. Cone excision – cutting off a conical section of the epithelium, the size of which depends on the depth of the lesion. The advantage of the method is complete excision of pathological tissue. However, this method is still invasive and traumatic in comparison with other modern techniques.
3. Electrocoagulation is the neutralization of dysplastic cells using electric current.
4. Laser vaporization – under the influence of laser energy, pathological cells are heated and necrotic.

The last two methods are minimally invasive and therefore preferable. If the technical equipment of the clinic and the nature of the lesion allow it, doctors prescribe them.

Prevention

Prevention of squamous metaplasia of the uterine epithelium consists primarily in eliminating predisposing factors. This:

• Quitting tobacco and alcohol.
• Balanced diet.
• Refusal to work in hazardous enterprises.
• Sexual hygiene.

There is also a specific prevention of the disease - the HPV vaccination. It not only minimizes the likelihood of developing metaplasia, but also prevents the development of cervical cancer. It has been proven that the main etiological factor in malignant lesions of this organ is infection with oncogenic strains of the papilloma virus. Vaccination is given to adolescents who have not had sexual contact and provides protection against HPV for several years.

Forecasts

Cervical metaplasia is a disease that has a favorable prognosis, subject to timely diagnosis and treatment. If left untreated, the consequences can be disastrous, as the tendency for malignancy is high.

Cervical metaplasia is a pathology of the glandular epithelium, in which the cells change to squamous cells. The phenomenon belongs to the group of precancerous diseases and requires treatment.

Disease development process

Women over 50 years of age are susceptible to the development of pathology. With the onset of menopause, it is recommended to carefully monitor your health and not ignore visits to the gynecologist. The process of replacing single-layer cells of the endocervix with squamous epithelium develops over a long period of time, which makes it possible to identify and eliminate the pathology even before the appearance of the clinical picture.

A healthy cervix is ​​lined with two forms of epithelial cells: squamous and columnar. They are separated by a zone of complete absence of epithelium. Unfavorable environmental factors provoke the emergence and development of squamous epithelium under the prismatic layer. Over time, the cells grow and begin to invade surrounding areas. Detection of such changes will confirm the diagnosis of metaplasia.

Factors provoking the process

Squamous metaplasia of the cervix develops against the background of general and local factors that negatively affect the body. The following have a negative impact on a woman:

• bad habits (smoking, alcohol);
• systematic disturbance of sleep and wakefulness;
• frequent colds;
• long-term depression;
• malnutrition (especially consumption of carcinogenic foods).

All this has an extremely adverse effect on the immune response, provoking changes in the structure of cells and tissues, facilitating the introduction of viruses and bacteria, as well as the colonization of tissues by atypical cells.

Bacteria and viruses, microtraumas during abortions and gynecological manipulations, and promiscuous sex life with frequent changes of partners have a local effect on the reproductive system.

Important! The development of metaplastic cells occurs under the influence of herpes or bacterial infections (chlamydia, toxoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis), occurring against a background of weakened immunity and having a chronic form.

How to recognize metaplasia

Cervical metaplasia develops asymptomatically for a long period, which allows the process to spread. However, tissue replacement can be easily diagnosed during a routine gynecological examination.

The clinical picture always shows metaplasia in combination with concomitant pathologies (papillomas, infections, erosions). Signs indicating a disorder of the cervix:

• failure of the menstrual cycle is one of the signs of dysfunction of the reproductive system; delayed menstruation, heavy or scanty discharge are a cause for alarm and contact an antenatal clinic;
• painful sexual intercourse (bloody discharge at the end of intimacy);
• vaginal discharge (of varying intensity and character: cheesy, milky, bloody, with or without odor);
• disruptions in hormonal regulation.

Important! Given the absence of a specific picture of the lesion, any deviation from the norm in the functioning of the organs of the reproductive system should be a reason to visit a doctor. It is quite easy to ignore these symptoms, but such neglect can lead to an unfavorable outcome in the case of an advanced stage of metaplasia or a complicated course.

Diagnostics

Cervical metaplasia is diagnosed during a gynecological examination of a woman. If cancerous degeneration of the altered cells is suspected, biomaterial is taken, followed by histological examination.

Treatment

Simple squamous metaplasia of the cervix does not require special treatment. The doctor prescribes therapy aimed at eliminating the process that provoked the proliferation of squamous epithelium. Metaplasia remains under observation all this time. When a diagnosis is made, a woman is recommended to systematically visit a doctor (every 3 months) in order to monitor the condition of the tissues and the absence of malignancy (degeneration into cancer).

With the dynamic development of the disease, treatment is prescribed. The early stage responds well to conservative methods. For advanced and complicated forms, surgical intervention is required.

Drug therapy

If human papillomavirus is detected, the drug of choice will be Panavir, which eliminates viral particles.

Bacterial infection requires antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapy. A course of treatment with broad-spectrum drugs is prescribed. Between courses, a histological examination of the changed tissue is carried out. If necessary, the course is repeated.

Local use of anti-inflammatory suppositories accelerates the recovery process. If the body's immune resistance decreases, vitamins or immunomodulators (immunostimulants) are prescribed.

When the process spreads and conservative treatment is ineffective, they resort to surgical correction methods (curettage, electrocoagulation, laser vaporization).

Forecast

A diagnosis of cervical metaplasia is not a reason to panic. The disease is highly treatable and results in complete recovery. However, late detection of the process, especially in the stage of malignancy, significantly reduces the hope for a favorable outcome. Considering the asymptomatic course of the pathology, it is necessary to carefully monitor your health and visit a gynecologist every 6-9 months, especially during menopause.