Contraindications for radiotherapy in the treatment of uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the female genitalia, and they are more common in women aged 30 to 50, with a higher incidence in women aged 40 to 50. Currently, there are many clinical treatment methods, including drug therapy, surgical treatment, ultrasound therapy, and radiotherapy, etc. Each treatment method has its corresponding indications and contraindications. The contraindications of radiotherapy mainly include the following aspects:

1. Age requirements

Generally speaking, women under 40 with uterine fibroids should avoid radiotherapy to prevent premature menopause.

2. Submucosal fibroids

Submucosal fibroids are prone to necrosis after radium therapy, which can cause serious pelvic infection. Therefore, such patients should try to avoid radiotherapy. X-ray treatment can be used for submucosal fibroids with a wide base.

3. Pelvic inflammatory disease

It is not suitable for acute and chronic pelvic inflammation, especially for those suspected of having adnexal abscess, because radiotherapy can stimulate inflammation.

4. Larger fibroids

When uterine fibroids exceed the size of a 5-month gestational uterus, radiotherapy often fails to achieve the desired effect. Radiotherapy also fails to achieve the desired effect for cervical fibroids due to their location.

In addition to the above situations, patients with uterine fibroids suspected of or already experiencing malignant transformation, or patients with both uterine fibroids and ovarian fibroids are not suitable for radiotherapy.