Leiomyoma: Difference between revisions

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= Leiomyoma =
{{SI}}
 
{{Infobox medical condition
[[File:Leiomyoma Uterus 40x.jpg|thumb|right|Microscopic view of a Leiomyoma]]
| name            = Leiomyoma
 
| image          = [[File:Lipoleiomyoma2.jpg|left|thumb|A histological image of a leiomyoma]]
Leiomyoma, commonly known as fibroids, is a noncancerous tumor originating from smooth muscle cells. Most frequently found in the uterus, leiomyomas can also develop in other areas with smooth muscles, such as the small intestine, esophagus, and stomach.
| caption        = Histological image of a leiomyoma
 
| field          = [[Gynecology]], [[Oncology]]
== Definition and Characteristics ==
| synonyms        = Fibroid, myoma, fibromyoma
Leiomyomas are benign growths that arise from smooth muscle tissue. They are composed of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue, exhibiting a whorled pattern in histological sections.
| symptoms        = [[Pelvic pain]], [[menorrhagia]], [[urinary frequency]], [[constipation]]
 
| complications  = [[Infertility]], [[anemia]], [[urinary tract infections]]
<youtube>
| onset          = Reproductive age
title='''{{PAGENAME}}'''
| duration        = Variable
movie_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/EZFjtxnkkMM
| types          = [[Uterine leiomyoma]], [[cutaneous leiomyoma]], [[leiomyosarcoma]]
&rel=1
| causes          = Unknown, possibly [[genetic]] and [[hormonal]] factors
embed_source_url=http://www.youtube.com/v/EZFjtxnkkMM
| risks          = [[Obesity]], [[nulliparity]], [[family history]]
&rel=1
| diagnosis      = [[Pelvic examination]], [[ultrasound]], [[MRI]]
wrap = yes
| differential    = [[Adenomyosis]], [[endometrial polyp]], [[ovarian cyst]]
width=750
| prevention      = None specific
height=600
| treatment      = [[Medication]], [[surgery]], [[uterine artery embolization]]
</youtube>
| medication      = [[GnRH agonists]], [[NSAIDs]], [[oral contraceptives]]
 
| prognosis      = Generally good with treatment
== Pathogenesis ==
| frequency      = Common, affecting up to 70% of women by age 50
The development of leiomyomas is not fully understood but involves complex genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. They are estrogen and progesterone-sensitive, often growing during reproductive years and shrinking after menopause.
}}
 
'''Leiomyoma''' is a benign smooth muscle tumor that can occur in any organ but is most commonly found in the uterus, where it is often referred to as a [[uterine fibroid]]. Leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors in women and are typically discovered during the reproductive years.
=== Genetic Factors ===
==Pathophysiology==
* Chromosomal abnormalities
Leiomyomas are composed of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. They arise from the smooth muscle layer of the uterus, known as the myometrium, but can also occur in other locations such as the esophagus, small intestine, and skin. The exact cause of leiomyoma development is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to hormonal factors, particularly estrogen and progesterone.
* Gene mutations, especially in the MED12 gene
==Clinical Presentation==
 
Many leiomyomas are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally during pelvic examinations or imaging studies. When symptoms do occur, they may include:
=== Hormonal Influence ===
* Abnormal uterine bleeding
* Estrogen and progesterone stimulate growth
* Growth may accelerate during pregnancy
 
== Clinical Presentation ==
Leiomyomas can range from asymptomatic to causing significant symptoms, including:
* Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods
* Pelvic pain or pressure
* Pelvic pain or pressure
* Frequent urination
* Frequent urination
* Difficulty emptying the bladder
* Constipation
* Constipation
 
* Infertility
== Diagnosis ==
==Diagnosis==
Diagnosis of leiomyomas typically involves:
The diagnosis of leiomyoma is typically made through imaging studies such as [[ultrasound]] or [[magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI). Histological examination of tissue samples can confirm the diagnosis.
* Pelvic examination
[[File:Colonic leiomyoma, low mag.jpg|left|thumb|Colonic leiomyoma under low magnification]]
* Imaging modalities like ultrasound or MRI
[[File:Beta-catenin immunohistochemistry in leiomyoma.jpg|left|thumb|Beta-catenin immunohistochemistry in leiomyoma]]
 
==Treatment==
== Treatment and Management ==
Treatment options for leiomyoma depend on the size, location, and symptoms. They include:
Treatment depends on the size, location, and symptoms, as well as patient preferences. Options include:
* Observation for asymptomatic cases
* Medication for symptom management
* Medications such as [[gonadotropin-releasing hormone]] (GnRH) agonists to shrink the tumors
* Hormonal treatments to shrink tumors
* Surgical options like myomectomy or hysterectomy
* Surgical interventions such as myomectomy or hysterectomy
* Minimally invasive procedures such as uterine artery embolization
* Minimally invasive procedures like uterine artery embolization
==Prognosis==
 
Leiomyomas are benign and do not metastasize. However, they can cause significant symptoms and complications, such as anemia from heavy bleeding. Rarely, a leiomyoma may undergo malignant transformation into a [[leiomyosarcoma]].
== Epidemiology ==
==Also see==
Leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors in women of reproductive age, particularly prevalent among African American women.
* [[Uterine fibroid]]
 
* [[Leiomyosarcoma]]
== References ==
* [[Myomectomy]]
<references>
* [[Hysterectomy]]
* [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3897322/ "The Pathogenesis of Leiomyoma: New Opportunities for Innovative Therapies"] - NCBI
{{Reproductive system diseases}}
* [https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/uterine-fibroids/symptoms-causes/syc-20354287 "Uterine Fibroids Overview"] - Mayo Clinic
{{Oncology}}
</references>
[[Category:Benign tumors]]
 
[[Category:Gynecological disorders]]
[[Category:Benign Tumors]]
[[Category:Smooth muscle disorders]]
[[Category:Gynecology]]
[[Category:Smooth Muscle Tissue Disorders]]
 
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 22:44, 8 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD's medical weight loss NYC, sleep center NYC
Philadelphia medical weight loss and Philadelphia sleep clinics

Leiomyoma
A histological image of a leiomyoma
Synonyms Fibroid, myoma, fibromyoma
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Pelvic pain, menorrhagia, urinary frequency, constipation
Complications Infertility, anemia, urinary tract infections
Onset Reproductive age
Duration Variable
Types Uterine leiomyoma, cutaneous leiomyoma, leiomyosarcoma
Causes Unknown, possibly genetic and hormonal factors
Risks Obesity, nulliparity, family history
Diagnosis Pelvic examination, ultrasound, MRI
Differential diagnosis Adenomyosis, endometrial polyp, ovarian cyst
Prevention None specific
Treatment Medication, surgery, uterine artery embolization
Medication GnRH agonists, NSAIDs, oral contraceptives
Prognosis Generally good with treatment
Frequency Common, affecting up to 70% of women by age 50
Deaths N/A


Leiomyoma is a benign smooth muscle tumor that can occur in any organ but is most commonly found in the uterus, where it is often referred to as a uterine fibroid. Leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors in women and are typically discovered during the reproductive years.

Pathophysiology[edit]

Leiomyomas are composed of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. They arise from the smooth muscle layer of the uterus, known as the myometrium, but can also occur in other locations such as the esophagus, small intestine, and skin. The exact cause of leiomyoma development is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to hormonal factors, particularly estrogen and progesterone.

Clinical Presentation[edit]

Many leiomyomas are asymptomatic and are discovered incidentally during pelvic examinations or imaging studies. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Frequent urination
  • Constipation
  • Infertility

Diagnosis[edit]

The diagnosis of leiomyoma is typically made through imaging studies such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Histological examination of tissue samples can confirm the diagnosis.

Colonic leiomyoma under low magnification
Beta-catenin immunohistochemistry in leiomyoma

Treatment[edit]

Treatment options for leiomyoma depend on the size, location, and symptoms. They include:

  • Observation for asymptomatic cases
  • Medications such as gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists to shrink the tumors
  • Surgical options like myomectomy or hysterectomy
  • Minimally invasive procedures such as uterine artery embolization

Prognosis[edit]

Leiomyomas are benign and do not metastasize. However, they can cause significant symptoms and complications, such as anemia from heavy bleeding. Rarely, a leiomyoma may undergo malignant transformation into a leiomyosarcoma.

Also see[edit]


Reproductive system diseases
STIs/STDs
Male
Female
Pregnancy complications
Infertility


This 'Reproductive system diseases' related article is a stub.



Oncology
Basics
Diagnostics
Treatments
Types of Cancers
Related Fields
This oncology-related article is a stub.
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