Uterine myomas
Uterine myoma is a benign tumor of the uterus that develops in middle-aged women It is also called uterine fibroid and leiomyoma Uterine fibroids are not associated with an increased risk of cancer and almost never turn into cancer
Uterine myoma develops from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus A single cell begins to divide repeatedly, eventually forming a lumpy mass that is distinct from the surrounding tissue The rate of growth of uterine fibroids is different They may grow slowly, grow rapidly, or stay the same size Some fibroids grow periodically, while others shrink Most fibroids present during pregnancy disappear on their own after delivery
Myoma can be invisible to the eye or so large that it changes the shape of the uterus Myomas can be single or multiple In extreme cases, fibroids enlarge the uterus so much that it reaches the ribs
Approximately 75% of women have uterine fibroids in their lifetime, but most of them do not know it because they have no symptoms. A doctor may find fibroids during a pelvic exam or prenatal ultrasound.
Doctors do not know what causes uterine fibroids, but research suggests the following factors:
- Genetic changes Many fibroids contain genes that are different from those of other uterine cells There is also evidence that identical twins have a greater risk of fibroids than non-identical twins.
- Hormones Estrogen and progesterone, which stimulate changes in the lining of the uterus during each menstrual cycle, appear to cause fibroids to grow. Myomas contain more estrogen and progesterone receptors than other uterine cells Fibroids decrease in size after menopause because hormones are produced less
- Other growth factors Certain growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factor, may be involved in the growth of fibroids
The most common signs and symptoms of uterine fibroids are:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Prolonged menstrual periods - 7 or more days of menstrual bleeding
- Pelvic heaviness or pain
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty emptying the bladder It develops when it becomes so large that it cuts off blood flow At this time, the myoma dies, and its decomposition products enter the surrounding tissues and cause pain and temperature rise Some fibroids can cut off blood flow on their own during rotation, which will also cause pain
Symptoms are influenced by location, size and number of myoma:
- Submucosal myomas Fibroids that grow inside the uterus are more likely to cause prolonged, heavy menstrual bleeding and rarely prevent pregnancy.
- Subserous fibroids Fibroids that grow on the surface of the uterus sometimes push the bladder and cause urinary symptoms. If the fibroid grows out of the back of the uterus, it can burn the rectum or spinal nerves, causing pain.
- Intramural myomas Some fibroids grow in the muscle layer of the uterus If they increase in size, they change the shape of the uterus and cause prolonged, heavy periods and painful sensations
When to see your doctor
See your doctor if you have:
- Pelvic pain that does not go away
- Severe or painful periods
- Blood spots or bleeding between periods
- Pain every time
