Uterine fibroids

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Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids (pronounced: yoo-ter-in fahy-broidz), also known as leiomyomas (pronounced: lay-oh-my-oh-muhs) or myomas (pronounced: my-oh-muhs), are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years. The etymology of the term "fibroid" comes from the Latin word "fibra" meaning fiber and the Greek suffix "-oid" meaning likeness.

Causes

The exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but they tend to develop from the smooth muscular tissue of the uterus (myometrium). Each fibroid starts from a single muscle cell that continuously divides until it forms a firm, rubbery mass.

Symptoms

Many women with uterine fibroids have no symptoms. However, when symptoms do occur, they may include heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, and backache or leg pains.

Diagnosis

Uterine fibroids are often found incidentally during a routine pelvic exam. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and hysterosonography may be used to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on the individual's symptoms, the fibroid's size and location, and whether the person is pregnant or plans to become pregnant in the future. Options may include watchful waiting, medication, noninvasive procedures, minimally invasive procedures, or traditional surgeries such as hysterectomy or myomectomy.

Related Terms

  • Myometrium: The middle layer of the uterine wall, consisting of smooth muscle cells and connective tissue.
  • Hysterectomy: A surgical operation to remove all or part of the uterus.
  • Myomectomy: A surgical procedure to remove fibroids without taking out the healthy tissue of the uterus.
  • Hysterosonography: A type of ultrasound that uses sterile saline to expand the uterine cavity, making it easier to get images of the uterus and the endometrium.

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