Leiomyoma: Difference between revisions

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| prognosis      = Generally good with treatment
| prognosis      = Generally good with treatment
| frequency      = Common, affecting up to 70% of women by age 50
| frequency      = Common, affecting up to 70% of women by age 50
}}
{{Infobox disease
| name = Leiomyoma
| image = Leiomyoma.jpg
| caption = Histological image of a leiomyoma
| field = [[Oncology]]
| synonyms = Fibroid, myoma
| symptoms = Often asymptomatic, but can include pain, bleeding, or pressure symptoms
| complications = Rarely, can transform into a [[leiomyosarcoma]]
| onset = Typically in reproductive age
| duration = Chronic
| causes = Unknown, but hormonal factors are implicated
| risks = Family history, obesity, early menarche
| diagnosis = [[Ultrasound]], [[MRI]], histological examination
| treatment = Observation, medication, surgery
| frequency = Common in women of reproductive age
}}
}}
'''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.
'''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.

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
File:Lipoleiomyoma2.jpg
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.

File:Colonic leiomyoma, low mag.jpg
Colonic leiomyoma under low magnification
File:Beta-catenin immunohistochemistry in leiomyoma.jpg
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]



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