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leiomyoma uteri
, uterine leiomyoma
leiomyoma of the uterus, the most common of all tumors found in women. It may occur in any part of the uterus, although it is most often found in
the body of the organ. Leiomyomas usually occur during the third and fourth decades of a woman's life, and are often multiple,
although a single tumor may occur. They are usually small but may grow until they occupy most of the uterine wall. After menopause growth usually ceases. Symptoms vary according to the location and size of the tumors; as they grow, they may cause pressure
on neighboring organs, painful menstruation, profuse and irregular menstrual bleeding, vaginal discharge, or urinary frequency, as well as enlargement of the uterus. Called also uterine myoma and, colloquially, fibroids.
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