Uterine fibroma

Uterine Fibroma

Uterine fibroma, also known as a uterine fibroid or leiomyoma, is a benign (non-cancerous) tumor that originates from the smooth muscle layer (myometrium) and the accompanying connective tissue of the uterus. Fibroids are the most common form of benign tumors in females and typically found during the middle and later reproductive years. While most fibroids are asymptomatic, they can grow and cause heavy and painful menstruation, painful sexual intercourse, urinary frequency and urgency, and even infertility.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of uterine fibroma is unknown. However, several factors may influence their formation, including hormones (especially estrogen and progesterone), genetic changes, other growth factors, and as yet unidentified environmental factors. Risk factors include age (fibroids are more common as women age, particularly during the 30s and 40s through menopause), family history, obesity, and race (African-American women are more likely to develop fibroids than women of other racial groups).

Symptoms

Symptoms of uterine fibroids can vary depending on the size, number, and location of the fibroids. Common symptoms include:

• Heavy menstrual bleeding
• Menstrual periods lasting more than a week
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty emptying the bladder
• Constipation
• Backache or leg pains

Rarely, a fibroid can cause acute pain when it outgrows its blood supply, and begins to die.

Diagnosis

Uterine fibroids are typically found during a pelvic examination. To confirm the diagnosis, a doctor may use ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Other tests include hysterosonography, hysterosalpingography, or hysteroscopy.

Treatment

Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on the symptoms, size and location of the fibroids, age, and individual patient desires. Options include:

• Watchful waiting for women who experience no symptoms
• Medications to regulate menstrual cycle, treat symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pressure
• Non-invasive procedures like MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery
• Minimally invasive procedures such as uterine artery embolization, myolysis, laparoscopic or robotic myomectomy, and endometrial ablation
• Traditional surgical procedures like abdominal myomectomy and hysterectomy

Prevention

There is no known prevention for uterine fibroids, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regular check-ups can help in early detection and management of the condition.

See Also

• Menstruation
• Estrogen
• Progesterone
• Hysterectomy
• Myomectomy

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