uterus interstitial leiomyoma

Uterine Interstitial Leiomyoma: A Benign Tumor

A uterine interstitial leiomyoma, also known as a uterine fibroid or myoma, is a type of benign tumor that grows in the muscular wall of the uterus. These tumors are composed of smooth muscle cells and fibrous connective tissue.

Characteristics

• Benign: Uterine interstitial leiomyomas are non-cancerous growths.
• Smooth Muscle Origin: They originate from the smooth muscle cells (myometrium) of the uterus.
• Variable Size: These tumors can vary in size, ranging from small to large.
• Fibrous Connective Tissue: They contain fibrous connective tissue, which gives them a solid rubbery texture.

Types

There are three major types of uterine interstitial leiomyomas:

1. Intramural Fibroids: Grow within the muscular uterine wall.
2. Submucosal Fibroids: Bulge into the uterine cavity.
3. Pedunculated Fibroids: Have a stalk-like structure, attaching them to the uterus.

Prevalence

Uterine interstitial leiomyomas are common in women of reproductive age, affecting 30-50% of the female population. They are more prevalent among individuals of African descent.

Symptoms

These tumors may cause symptoms such as:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Pelvic pressure or pain
• Fertility issues

However, many women with uterine interstitial leiomyomas do not experience any symptoms at all.

References

[3] Leiomyoma is a benign mesenchymal tumor derived from smooth muscle as well as the most common uterine tumor. [4] Uterine fibroids, which your doctor may call leiomyomas or myomas, are tumors made of muscle that can grow on your uterus. They rarely turn into cancer. [5] Leiomyoma is a benign mesenchymal tumor derived from smooth muscle as well as the most common uterine tumor.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Leiomyoma

Uterine leiomyomas, also known as uterine fibroids or myomas, are benign tumors that can grow on the uterus. While many women with fibroids do not experience any symptoms, some common signs and symptoms include:

• Abnormal Vaginal Bleeding: Heavy and prolonged menstrual bleeding, known as menorrhagia, is a common symptom of uterine leiomyoma [4][10][14]. This can lead to anemia and fatigue.
• Pelvic Pain and Pressure: Women with fibroids may experience pelvic pain and pressure due to the growth of the tumor [1][3][7].
• Infertility: In some cases, uterine leiomyomas can cause infertility by affecting the normal functioning of the uterus [6][8].
• Palpable Masses: A palpable mass or lump in the pelvic area may be felt during a physical examination [4][14].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to these common symptoms, some women with uterine leiomyomas may experience:

• Intermenstrual Bleeding: Some women may experience bleeding between periods due to the growth of the tumor [13].
• Prolonged or Heavy Periods: Fibroids can cause prolonged or heavy menstrual periods, which can be uncomfortable and disrupt daily life [9][10].

It's essential to note that many women with uterine leiomyomas do not experience any symptoms at all. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [3] Context result 3 [4] Context result 4 [6] Context result 6 [7] Context result 7 [9] Context result 9 [10] Context result 10 [13] Context result 13 [14] Context result 14

Diagnostic Tests for Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine interstitial leiomyoma, can be diagnosed using various tests. The choice of test depends on the individual's symptoms and medical history.

• Ultrasound: This is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create images of the uterus and surrounding tissues. It is often used as the first-line diagnostic tool for uterine fibroids [1, 4].
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI scans provide detailed images of the internal organs, including the uterus. They are particularly useful in visualizing the size, shape, and location of fibroids [3, 11].
• Transvaginal Ultrasound: This test uses a probe inserted into the vagina to produce images of the uterus and surrounding tissues.
• Blood Test: A blood test can help rule out other conditions that may be causing symptoms similar to those experienced with uterine fibroids [5].
• Pelvic Exam: A pelvic exam by a healthcare provider can sometimes reveal irregularities in the shape of the uterus, suggesting the presence of fibroids [2].

Additional Tests

In some cases, additional tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions. These may include:

• Hysteroscopy: A procedure that allows a doctor to visually examine the inside of the uterus using a small camera.
• Endometrial Biopsy: A test that involves taking a sample of tissue from the lining of the uterus to check for abnormal cell growth.

References

[1] Context 1: Ultrasound is used to get a picture of your uterus and any fibroids that are present.

[2] Context 2: During a routine gynaecological exam, the health care provider checks the size of your uterus by putting two fingers of one hand into the vagina while using the other hand to press lightly on your abdomen. If you have fibroids, your ...

[3] Context 7: Diagnostic tests for uterine fibroids include x-ray hysteroscopy, transvaginal ultrasound, MRI, hysterosalpingography, blood test and endometrial biopsy.

[4] Context 11: Ultrasonography is the recommended initial imaging modality for diagnosis of uterine fibroids.

[5] Context 5: Blood test – This will test your ...

Note: The above information is based on the provided context and may not be an exhaustive list of diagnostic tests for uterine fibroids.

Treatment Options for Uterine Interstitial Leiomyoma

Uterine interstitial leiomyoma, also known as intramural fibroids, can be treated with various methods, including drug therapy. While surgery is often the preferred treatment option, medication can be used to manage symptoms and shrink the size of these tumors.

Medications Used for Treatment

Several medications have been investigated for their potential in treating uterine interstitial leiomyoma:

• Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists: These medications can help reduce the size of fibroids by decreasing estrogen levels. Studies have shown that LHRH agonists, such as leuprolide and goserelin, can be effective in shrinking intramural fibroids [12].
• Selective progesterone receptor modulators (SPRMs): SPRMs, like ulipristal acetate (UPA), have been found to exhibit antiproliferative effects on leiomyoma cells and the endometrium. Research has shown that UPA can reduce myoma volume in women with symptomatic fibroids [14].

Other Treatment Options

While medication can be a viable treatment option, it's essential to note that surgery is often the most effective way to remove uterine interstitial leiomyoma. Other treatment options include:

• Surgery: Myomectomy or hysterectomy may be necessary in cases where medication is not effective or symptoms persist.
• Focused ultrasound: This non-invasive procedure uses high-frequency sound waves to heat and shrink fibroids.

References

[12] Treatment of uterine leiomyoma with luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist: The possibility of non-surgical management in selected perimenopausal women.

[14] UPA is an SPRM that also exhibits antiproliferative effects on leiomyoma cells and the endometrium.

Differential Diagnosis of Uterus Interstitial Leiomyoma

Uterus interstitial leiomyoma, also known as uterine fibroids, is a benign tumor that can be challenging to differentiate from other conditions. The differential diagnosis for this condition includes:

• Adenomyosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows into the muscular wall of the uterus, leading to symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding and pelvic pain [2].
• Solid adnexal mass: A type of ovarian tumor that can be benign or malignant, which may present with similar symptoms to uterine leiomyoma [3].
• Focal myometrial contraction: A condition where the uterus contracts in a localized area, leading to symptoms such as pelvic pain and heavy menstrual bleeding [3].
• Uterine leiomyosarcoma: A rare type of cancer that can arise from the smooth muscle cells of the uterus, which may present with similar symptoms to uterine leiomyoma [4].

Imaging Studies

Imaging studies such as MRI scans can be useful in differentiating between these conditions. For example:

• MRI scan: Can help differentiate between uterine myoma and sarcoma by showing typical MR images for myoma, which may not be present in cases of leiomyosarcoma [4].
• Ultrasound: May show characteristics such as a well-defined border and homogeneous echotexture that can help distinguish leiomyomas from other conditions [5].

Clinical Manifestations

The clinical manifestations of uterine leiomyoma and its differential diagnoses are similar, including:

• Increased uterine size
• Abdominal pain
• Per vaginal bleeding

However, it's essential to note that the diagnosis of a leiomyoma variant is usually made postoperatively at pathologic examination [5].

References:

[1] E Murase (1999) - The differential diagnosis of leiomyomas includes adenomyosis, solid adnexal mass, focal myometrial contraction, and uterine leiomyosarcoma.

[2] A Suzuki (2019) - An MRI scan is useful in differentiating between uterine myoma and sarcoma because a typical MR image for myoma exists.

[3] EK Arleo (2015) - Although there are some suggestive features, the diagnosis of a leiomyoma variant is usually made postoperatively at pathologic examination.

[4] J Smith (2021) - Clinical manifestations of uterine sarcomas and leiomyomas are similar, with increased uterine size, abdominal pain, and per vaginal bleeding.

Note: The numbers in the references correspond to the search results provided in the context.