Leiomyomas

 A myoma, commonly referred to as a fibroid, is benign (noncancerous) tumor that develops in or round the uterus. Fibroids are medically referred to as leiomyomas and are tumors of the smooth muscle, the tissue that normally makes up that wall of the uterus. Fibroids are a common condition that affects approximately 20% of childbearing women. The symptoms of fibroids may occur frequently or occasionally. The disease course varies among individuals. Some women haven't any symptoms in the least, while others have abdominal pain, abnormal vaginal bleeding, difficulty urinating, or pain during sexual activity. A fibroid can grow large enough to place pressure on the bladder, making it difficult to expel urine and eventually causing infection. The growth patterns of uterine fibroids vary, they may grow slowly or rapidly, or they may remain the same size and some fibroids go through growth spurts, while some may shrink on their own. There are few risk factors for uterine fibroids, apart from being a woman of reproductive age. Factors that can have an impact on fibroid development include: race, heredity and other factors. Although uterine fibroids usually aren't dangerous, they can cause discomfort and may lead to complications such as a drop in red blood cells (anemia), which causes fatigue, from heavy blood loss. In rare conditions, a transfusion is needed due to blood loss. Preventing uterine fibroids may not be possible, but only a small percentage of these tumors require treatment.