# Description Uterine fibroids are benign smooth muscle tumors called leiomyoma. # About 20% of women develop uterine fibroids 40 years of age. # They develop within the uterine wall as nodules of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue. The uterus becomes larger and irregularly shaped. It is an extremely common. There can be one or more fibroids in the uterus. # This is the second most common indication for major surgery in women after cesarean section. # Can exist as a solitary nodule or many fibroid tumors that vary in size from 1 mm to more than 20 cm (8 inches) in diameter. They can grow within the wall of the uterus and may protrude into the outer surface of the uterus and pelvis cavityCauses # The etiology is unclear. The most likely develop from uterine smooth muscle cells.Symptoms # Many women have no symptoms. # Heavy, prolonged, unusual menstrual bleeding is the most common symptom. # The increase of menstrual cramps and pelvic pain # Pain in the back, flank or legs as the fibroids press on nerves that supply the pelvis and leg pain during intercourse # # Pressure on the urinary system , increased frequency of urination # pressure in the gut, causing constipation and bloating # abnormally enlarged (bloated) pelvic ultrasound examination abdomenDiagnosis # # # # MRI if necessary, a hysteroscopy (where a camera is used to look inside the uterus) or hysterography (in which a dye is injected into the uterus and Xrays are taken) can be made. Similar conditions Pregnancy # # # AdenomyosisTreatment ovarian leiomyosarcoma # It is necessary treatment, only monitoring every 6 months if the woman has no symptoms. # If the blood supply to the fibroid is cut, the woman will have a lot of pain. This is an emergency and need immediate medical attention. # If the bleeding is heavy, medroxyprogesterone or estrogens may help reduce bleeding. # If the woman is severely anemic (low hemoglobin), this must be treated before any surgery is attempted. Surgical removal of the fibroid is necessary if the uterus is growing very rapidly, if it is causing symptoms, or bleeding is excessive. # The smallest of the fibroids, the least risky surgery. Therefore, where possible, women receive drugs such as leuprolide or nafarelin 2 to 3 months before surgery to shrink fibroids. Surgery # to remove fibroids or individual, or the entire uterus is the main treatment. # If the woman wants a pregnancy, fibroids can be surgically removed and the uterus is intact. # If a woman does not desire pregnancy, the uterus is removed. This can be done through the stomach (abdominal hysterectomy), through the vagina (vaginal hysterectomy), or by laparoscopyassisted vaginal hysterectomy (a cameraassisted surgery). Women # still can get pregnant if the uterus is left in place, but may have a caesarean. br br
