Uterine fibroid
Uterine Fibroid
Uterine fibroids (pronounced: yoo-ter-in fahy-broid), also known as leiomyomas (pronounced: lay-oh-my-oh-mas) or myomas (pronounced: my-oh-mas), are noncancerous growths of the uterus that often appear during childbearing years.
Etymology
The term "fibroid" comes from the Latin word "fibra" and the suffix "-oid", meaning "resembling fiber". "Leiomyoma" is derived from the Greek words "leio-" (smooth), "myo-" (muscle), and "-oma" (tumor), thus meaning "smooth muscle tumor".
Description
Uterine fibroids are typically not associated with an increased risk of uterine cancer and almost never develop into cancer. They can range in size from tiny, unnoticeable fibroids that are detectable only under a microscope to large masses that can distort and enlarge the uterus.
Symptoms
Women may have multiple fibroids and each may vary in size. Most women with uterine fibroids exhibit no symptoms, but others may experience symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, prolonged menstrual periods, pelvic pressure or pain, frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, constipation, backache or leg pains.
Causes
While the exact cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, research and clinical experience point to these factors: genetic changes, hormones, and other growth factors.
Treatment
Treatment for uterine fibroids depends on individual circumstances and may include medication, non-invasive procedures, minimally invasive procedures, or traditional surgery.
Related Terms
- Hysterectomy: Surgical removal of the uterus.
- Myomectomy: Surgical removal of fibroids from the uterus.
- Endometriosis: A condition in which the tissue that lines the uterus grows outside of it.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A hormonal disorder causing enlarged ovaries with small cysts on the outer edges.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Uterine fibroid
- Wikipedia's article - Uterine fibroid
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