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Leiomyomas are noncancerous growths in the uterus that often cause no symptoms. They can be diagnosed through physical examination and diagnostic tests, and treatment may involve surgery or medication. Regular checkups are recommended to monitor growth and prevent cancerous development.
A leiomyoma is a growth that appears within the lining of the uterus. Nearly all leiomyomas are noncancerous and most cause no adverse physical symptoms. If an ob-gyn notices a growth, however, they’ll usually conduct a series of diagnostic tests to make sure the tumor is indeed benign. Small, asymptomatic leiomyomas usually don’t need to be treated, although a doctor may decide to surgically remove a large or suspicious-looking tumor.
Doctors aren’t sure why leiomyomas form, but they have been linked to inherited genetics and hormonal imbalances. A leiomyoma begins when a small group of abnormal smooth muscle cells within the lining of the uterus grow and replicate, eventually forming a hard mass. Many tumors are too small to be seen or felt, although it is possible for a leiomyoma to grow large enough to put pressure on the uterus and irritate surrounding tissue. The growths appear most frequently in women between the ages of 30 and 50.
Although most leiomyomas are asymptomatic, abnormal menstrual patterns and heavy bleeding can occur. Some women experience frequent cramping, chronic pelvic pain, constipation, and frequent urges to urinate. Any unusual or painful symptoms should be reported to a gynecologist as soon as possible so that the doctor can check for leiomyomas or other reproductive tract disorders.
If a leiomyoma is large enough, a gynecologist may be able to make a diagnosis simply by inspecting and feeling for the tumor. He or she may take ultrasound pictures of the uterus to confirm the presence of small growths. To rule out cancer, blood and tissue samples are usually collected and analyzed in a laboratory. Your doctor can determine the best course of treatment after making an accurate diagnosis.
Women who do not experience pain symptoms may not need to be treated. Instead, they are encouraged to schedule regular checkups to make sure the tumors don’t grow larger or become cancerous. A patient experiencing pelvic pain or heavy bleeding may be prescribed oral contraceptives, hormones, or anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce adverse symptoms. Surgery is usually reserved for an abnormally large tumor or growth that your doctor suspects may become cancerous over time.
An experienced surgeon has several options for treating a leiomyoma. Many growths can be reduced by cutting off the blood supply, a procedure called uterine artery embolization. Large growths are often treated by applying liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill them or by physically excising them from the lining of the uterus with a scalpel. Rarely, a hysterectomy is needed to remove part or all of the damaged uterus. Most women experience full recoveries after surgical procedures, although it is possible for the growths to resurface.
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