uterine leiomyoma


leiomyoma

 [li″o-mi-o´mah] a benign tumor derived from smooth muscle, most often of the uterus (leiomyoma uteri).bizarre leiomyoma epithelioid leiomyoma.leiomyoma cu´tis one arising from cutaneous or subcutaneous smooth muscle fibers, found singly or multiply, usually as lesions arising from arrectores pilorum muscles; it may also occur as a solitary genital lesion or a solitary angioleiomyoma arising from the muscle of veins.epithelioid leiomyoma one in which the cells are polygonal rather than spindle shaped, usually found in the stomach. Called also bizarre leiomyoma and leiomyofibroma.leiomyoma u´teri (uterine leiomyoma) leiomyoma of the uterus; called also uterine myoma and, colloquially, fibroids. It is the most common of all tumors found in women. It may occur in any part of the uterus, although it is most frequently in the body of the organ.
Leiomyomas usually occur during the third and fourth decades, and are often multiple, although a single tumor may occur. They are usually small but may grow quite large and occupy most of the uterine wall; after menopause, growth usually ceases. Symptoms vary according to the location and size of the tumors. As they grow they may cause pressure on neighboring organs, painful menstruation, profuse and irregular menstrual bleeding, vaginal discharge, or frequent urination, as well as enlargement of the uterus.
In pregnancy, the tumors may interfere with natural enlargement of the uterus with the growing fetus. They may also cause spontaneous abortion and death of the fetus.
Small leiomyomas are usually left undisturbed and are checked at frequent intervals. Larger tumors may be removed surgically, sometimes accompanied by a hysterectomy, or medication may be prescribed to induce a temporary menopause.Leiomyoma of the uterus. The tumors may be subserosal, intramural, or submucosal. Subserosal and submucosal tumors may be pedunculated and may protrude from the uterine surface or into the uterine cavity, respectively. The stalk of pedunculated tumors may also become twisted. From Damjanov, 2000.

uterine leiomyoma

A leiomyoma of the uterus. It is the most common tumor of the female reproductive tract.

Symptoms

Leiomyomas may sometimes cause abdominal or pelvic heaviness, abnormal uterine bleeding, frequent urination, dysparunia, or pain.

Leiomyomas are classified according to their location. Subserous leiomyomas are found in the peritoneal covering of the uterus. They may be large or small, firm protuberances from the outer surface of the uterus or be attached by pedicles. Intraligamentous leiomyomas are found in the broad ligament. They may have uterine attachment. Intramural leiomyomas are found in the muscle wall of the uterus. If large, they can give the uterus a nodular, irregular shape. Submucosal leiomyomas are found next to the endometrium. Their most common symptoms are excessive, often abnormal bleeding, abdominal cramping, or pain. Cervical leiomyomas may cause stress incontinence, polyuria, dysparunia, or increased vaginal discharge.

Treatment

These tumors grow only during the reproductive years, often regressing after menopause. Surgical treatment (myomectomy or hysterectomy) may be necessary if tumors are more than 20 weeks' gestational size. Some tumors may be removed laproscopically although submucous tumors are removed by dilatation and curettage (D& C) or by hysteroscopy. Gonadotrophin-releasing hormones (GnRH) cause suppression of ovarian hormones and may cause tumors to shrink. Synonym: fibroid tumor; fibroid of uterus; fibromyoma (2); myoma uteri; uterine fibroma

See also: leiomyoma