Uterine Myoma

Definition of uterine myoma:
A benign growth of smooth muscle in the wall of the uterus.

Uterine myoma description:
The uterine myoma is a solid tumour made of fibrous tissue, hence it is often called a 'fibroid' tumour. Myomas vary in size and number, are most often slow-growing and usually cause no symptoms. The uterine myomas that do not produce symptoms do not need to be treated. Approximately 25% of myomas will cause symptoms and need medical treatment.

Myomas may grow as a single nodule or in clusters and may range in size from 1 mm to more than 20 cm in diameter. Uterine myomas are the most frequently diagnosed tumour of the female pelvis and the most common reason for a woman to have a hysterectomy. Although they are often referred to as tumours, they are not cancerous.

The cause of myoma has not actually been determined, but most forms of uterine myoma develop in women during their reproductive years. Myomas do not develop before the body begins producing estrogen. Uterine myomas tend to grow very quickly during pregnancy when the body is producing extra estrogen. Once menopause has begun, myomas generally stop growing and can begin to shrink due to the loss of estrogen.

Until recently, hysterectomy was the preferred option for treating symptomatic fibroids. Now, however, there are a number of uterine fibroid treatments.

Common Misspellings: mayoma, uterin mayoma

Alternate Names: uterine fibroids, fibroids, fibromyoma, leiomyoma, leiomyomata

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