A leiomyoma is a noncancerous growth made of smooth muscle tissue, most often found in the uterus. Uterine leiomyomas are more commonly called uterine fibroids. These growths can vary in size, number, and location, and while some cause no symptoms, others may lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, frequent urination, or abdominal bloating.
In simple terms, if you have heard the word fibroid, you have also heard another name for a uterine leiomyoma.
Is a Leiomyoma the Same as a Fibroid?
Yes. In gynecology, leiomyoma is the medical term for a fibroid. If your doctor tells you that you have a uterine leiomyoma, they are referring to a fibroid growing in the muscular wall of the uterus.
Because the term sounds technical, it can be confusing at first. In simple terms, a leiomyoma is a fibroid, and fibroids are one of the most common benign tumors affecting women during their reproductive years.
Where Do Leiomyomas Grow?
Leiomyomas can grow in different parts of the uterus. Their location often affects the kind of symptoms they cause.
Intramural Fibroids
These grow within the muscular wall of the uterus and are one of the most common types.
Submucosal Fibroids
These grow just beneath the uterine lining and may be more likely to cause heavy bleeding or prolonged periods.
Subserosal Fibroids
These grow on the outer surface of the uterus and may create pressure, bloating, or a feeling of fullness.
Pedunculated Fibroids
These are attached to the uterus by a stalk and can grow either inside or outside the uterus.
Learn About Different Types of Fibroids
What Causes a Leiomyoma?
The exact cause of a leiomyoma is not always clear. Researchers believe fibroids may be influenced by a combination of factors, including:
- Hormones such as estrogen and progesterone
- Genetics and family history
- Age and reproductive years
- Other biological factors that affect uterine muscle growth
Fibroids are common, especially during the reproductive years. Regardless of location, treatment may become necessary if the leiomyoma presents with symptoms or affects fertility.
Why Are Leiomyomas Called Tumors?
Uterine fibroids are also commonly referred to as tumors, which can be confusing to many women during diagnosis. The word tumor can bring worry and fear; however, less than 1 in 1,000 cases are deemed cancerous. When fibroids are cancerous, they are usually referred to as a leiomyosarcoma.
The definition of a tumor is an abnormal growth of cells that are unlike other cells in your body. A benign tumor, which most fibroids typically are, is a noncancerous grouping of abnormal cells. This means that it does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body the way cancer does. Benign tumors are typically watched by the doctor to make certain that they do not develop into being cancerous.
Common Symptoms of a Leiomyoma
Symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Common symptoms of fibroids may include:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding
- Periods that last longer than usual
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Bloating or abdominal fullness
- Frequent urination
- Constipation
- Lower back pain
- Pain during sex
- Fatigue that may be linked to heavy bleeding and anemia
Leiomyomas vs. Leiomyosarcomas: What is the Difference?
Both leiomyomas and leiomyosarcomas are tumors that may appear in the uterus. The difference between the two is that leiomyomas are non-cancerous tumors, while leiomyosarcomas are cancerous tumors.
Leiomyosarcoma is a rare type of cancer that affects only one to five women out of 1,000 who have fibroids. Both types of tumors can grow, but only the leiomyosarcoma can spread to other parts of the body.
The Bottom Line on Leiomyomas
If you are wondering, “What is a leiomyoma?”, the answer is straightforward: it is the medical term for a uterine fibroid, a common noncancerous growth in the uterus. While some leiomyomas cause no symptoms, others can lead to heavy bleeding, pelvic pressure, bloating, and other disruptive issues.
Understanding what a leiomyoma is can help you recognize when symptoms may need medical attention and when it may be time to explore treatment options such as Uterine Fibroid Embolization.
Uterine Fibroid Embolization to Treat Leiomyoma
If you are suffering from pain or other symptoms of a leiomyoma, you can benefit from treatment. Uterine Fibroid Embolization (UFE) is a non-surgical procedure that shrinks the fibroids and can alleviate symptoms. For example, UFE results in lighter, shorter periods and can eliminate severe pelvic pain. USA Fibroid Centers offers UFE as an outpatient procedure, so you don’t have to worry about taking a lot of time off for a long recovery; in fact, most patients are back to their regular activities within a week.
UFE treats leiomyomas by cutting off the blood supply to the uterine artery feeding the fibroids. During the procedure, an interventional radiologist will use ultrasound to locate the fibroids and insert a catheter to send embolic agents to block the artery. This procedure takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the number of fibroids that need to be treated. To learn more about UFE, request a consultation with a fibroid specialist today.
Get Treatment for Fibroids, Call USA Fibroid Centers Today
Let USA Fibroid Centers help you find freedom from your leiomyoma symptoms. Our fibroid specialists can develop a personalized treatment plan and answer any questions you may have. Contact us for a telemedicine appointment or an in-person visit at one of our treatment centers. Schedule online or give us a call at 855.615.2555 to meet with our interventional radiologists.