Unexplained excessive menstrual bleeding may be a sign of uterine malignancy

Many women may feel that their menstrual blood flow is too heavy occasionally due to their diet or lifestyle habits. This condition generally improves after correcting bad habits. However, if excessive menstrual blood flow occurs for several consecutive months, you may need to pay attention to whether it is a tumor in the uterus! Recently, a 48-year-old woman named Huang had excessive menstrual blood flow combined with wheezing and dizziness for 10 consecutive months. Upon examination, a fibroid about 4 cm in size was found in her uterus, and it was confirmed to be a rare malignant tumor of uterine smooth muscle.

Uterine malignant sarcoma is more common in postmenopausal women

Dr. Ding Daqing, director of the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, said that uterine malignant sarcoma is a rare tumor, accounting for 1% of gynecological female genital malignant tumors, of which about 40% are smooth muscle malignant sarcomas. Symptoms may not include vaginal bleeding, but may be rapid enlargement of the uterus. In cases where the uterus enlarges rapidly, especially after menopause, it is likely to be a leiomyoma.

The difficulty in diagnosis is that uterine smooth muscle malignant sarcoma and uterine fibroids cannot be distinguished clinically or by radiological imaging. 65% of uterine smooth muscle malignant sarcomas are diagnosed as benign uterine fibroids before surgery. Patients may have pelvic pain or compression symptoms, and lumps can be found through abdominal palpation or pelvic examination. Generally speaking, uterine malignant sarcoma is more common in people aged around 50 to 60 years old. Traditionally, it is believed that faster growing fibroids have a higher chance of evolving into malignant sarcoma.

Uterine malignant sarcoma has a high recurrence rate and may metastasize to the lungs

Dr. Ding Daqing said that the recurrence rate of uterine smooth muscle malignant tumors is quite high, and it can metastasize as far as the lungs. The most likely cure is surgery. If the patient is suitable for surgery, total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, or combined lymph node removal, can be chosen in the early stage; if surgery is not possible, radiation combined with chemotherapy, chemotherapy alone, or hormone therapy can be received.

[5 key dietary measures to prevent uterine fibroids]

Control total dietary calories to avoid obesity. Studies have found that obese people have a higher risk of uterine fibroid hyperplasia than normal people.

Eat a balanced diet and reduce the intake of animal hormone foods such as fish eggs, crab roe, and royal jelly to avoid affecting hormone balance and stimulating the growth of uterine fibroids.

Eating more high-fiber fruits and vegetables on a regular basis can promote intestinal health, enhance the body's immunity, and thus prevent the formation of uterine fibroids.

The soy isoflavones in soy products can prevent the intestines from absorbing animal hormones and reduce the incidence of uterine fibroids. However, it is not advisable to consume too much soy products every day, and soy milk should be limited to 1 to 2 cups.

According to traditional Chinese medicine theory, the formation of uterine fibroids is related to a weak and cold constitution. It is recommended to drink foods that warm the meridians and dispel cold, such as brown sugar and red bean soup.