Pathogenesis (development of disease)
Uterine leiomyomas are benign (benign) tumors that arise from the smooth muscle of the uterus (womb). They are usually slow growing. Only during pregnancy they can also grow very quickly due to increased estrogen levels.
There is no exact information about the cause of the development of leiomyomas.
It is possible to distinguish the different forms of leiomyoma of the uterus:
- Intramural – located in the uterine wall; the most common form.
- Subserosal – located under the serosa (outer skin); in extreme cases, may be connected to the uterus only by a pedicle
- Submucosal – located under the mucosa (mucous membrane); grow into the cavum uteri (uterine cavity) and may also be connected to the uterus only by a pedicle; cause discomfort relatively early in contrast to the other forms
Etiology (causes)
Biographical causes
- Hormonal factors
- Estrogen levels (induction of growth).
- Nulliparae (woman who has not yet given birth) are preferentially affected
