Leiomyoma

Leiomyoma is a common type of noncancerous tumor that develops in the smooth muscle tissue, most often found in the uterus. These growths are made up of muscle cells and usually affect the female reproductive system. Many people with leiomyomas do not experience symptoms, but when symptoms occur, they can include heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, and pressure on the bladder or bowel. Leiomyomas can vary in size and number, sometimes growing large enough to cause noticeable swelling or discomfort. Although benign, they can impact quality of life and may affect fertility or pregnancy outcomes.

Leiomyoma is a benign smooth muscle tumor arising primarily from the myometrium of the uterus. It results from the monoclonal proliferation of smooth muscle cells influenced by estrogen and progesterone, which promote tumor growth. These tumors are typically well-circumscribed, firm, and can be solitary or multiple. Clinically, leiomyomas are significant due to their potential to cause menorrhagia, pelvic pressure symptoms, and reproductive complications such as infertility or recurrent pregnancy loss. Histologically, they consist of interlacing bundles of spindle-shaped smooth muscle cells with minimal atypia and low mitotic activity. The pathogenesis involves genetic alterations, including mutations in the MED12 gene in many cases. Leiomyomas are the most common pelvic tumors in women of reproductive age.