Leiomyoma of the uterus (myoma, fibromyoma, fibroma) is one of the most common gynecological diseases, 20-40% of women of reproductive age are affected. The real prevalence of the disease is not known given that the vast majority of cases is asymptomatic and the disease is typically recognized during gynecological examination or diagnostic imaging performed because of other symptoms. The incidence of myoma is decisively influenced by the applied diagnostic method: during clinical (bimanual) examinations 30%, with ultrasound 50%, histological examination performed after hysterectomy revealed 77% of all cases. The prevalence of myoma causing clinical symptoms is the highest during perimenopause, decreases after the menopause. In respect to total lifespan women have about 70% chance of developing a myoma in their uterus.
Among the risk factors of developing a leiomyoma we find early menarche, childlessness, late childbearing, obesity, Afro-Caribbean ethnic origin, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), diabetes mellitus and hypertension, and the use of certain hormone-containing drugs (tamoxifen). Menopause, multiparity and smoking reduces the risk of developing myoma.
Utolsó módosítás: 2014. February 12., Wednesday, 10:13
