UTERINE FIBROIDS
Uterine Leiomyomas
Marteasha Gordon,Rebecca Lugo, Rooznikchy Thomas, and Dominique Zawackis
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Uterine leiomyomas also known as fibroids or myomas, are the most common pelvic
benign tumor that affect 70%-80% of women. Uterine fibroids are round or semi-round growths
of smooth muscle of the myometrium and fibrous tissue. The growths can be located in the
uterine cavity, uterine wall, or on the surface of the uterus into the abdominal cavity. Also,
fibroids can occur as a single tumor or in clusters. They can vary in size and usually grow slowly
over years. Uterine fibroids are stimulated by oestrogen and are estrogen and progesterone
sensitive. Uterine fibroids are described by their location and are classified in three categories;
intramural, subserosal, submucosal (What are fibroids? what are the treatments for fibroids,
2009). Women between the age of 30 and 50 are the most likely to develop fibroids. Also about
1 in 5 women may experience fibroids during their childbearing years. Studies have shown
about half of all women have developed fibroids by the age of 50 (Uterine fibroids fact sheet
2008). Fibroids are two to five times higher in black and Asian women than Caucasian women.
Fibroids are more common in women who are overweight and nonsmokers. Pregnancy and the
use of oral contraceptives both decrease the likelihood of development. Uterine fibroids are the
leading cause for hysterectomy.
The cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but research and clinical experience point to several factors that may influence the growth of uterine fibroids. Overweight and obese women have demonstrated a higher risk of developing fibroids, compared to women of normal weight. A family history of fibroids increases the risk of uterine fibroids. Race and ethnicity impacts the possibility of fibroids since they are more common in African-American women and
Marteasha Gordon,Rebecca Lugo, Rooznikchy Thomas, and Dominique Zawackis
Chamberlain College of Nursing
Uterine leiomyomas also known as fibroids or myomas, are the most common pelvic
benign tumor that affect 70%-80% of women. Uterine fibroids are round or semi-round growths
of smooth muscle of the myometrium and fibrous tissue. The growths can be located in the
uterine cavity, uterine wall, or on the surface of the uterus into the abdominal cavity. Also,
fibroids can occur as a single tumor or in clusters. They can vary in size and usually grow slowly
over years. Uterine fibroids are stimulated by oestrogen and are estrogen and progesterone
sensitive. Uterine fibroids are described by their location and are classified in three categories;
intramural, subserosal, submucosal (What are fibroids? what are the treatments for fibroids,
2009). Women between the age of 30 and 50 are the most likely to develop fibroids. Also about
1 in 5 women may experience fibroids during their childbearing years. Studies have shown
about half of all women have developed fibroids by the age of 50 (Uterine fibroids fact sheet
2008). Fibroids are two to five times higher in black and Asian women than Caucasian women.
Fibroids are more common in women who are overweight and nonsmokers. Pregnancy and the
use of oral contraceptives both decrease the likelihood of development. Uterine fibroids are the
leading cause for hysterectomy.
The cause of uterine fibroids is unknown, but research and clinical experience point to several factors that may influence the growth of uterine fibroids. Overweight and obese women have demonstrated a higher risk of developing fibroids, compared to women of normal weight. A family history of fibroids increases the risk of uterine fibroids. Race and ethnicity impacts the possibility of fibroids since they are more common in African-American women and
References: Huether, S., & McCance, K. (2012). Understanding pathophysiology. (5th ed.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elvsevier Inc. Fibroids In-Depth Report. (2008). Retrieved from http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/uterine-fibroids/print.html Uterine fibroids. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/uterine- fibroids/DS00078 Uterine fibroids fact sheet. (2008). Retrieved from http://womenshealth.gov/publications/our- publications/fact-sheet/uterine-fibroids.com “What are fibroids? what are the treatments for fibroids?" Medical News Today.(2009). Retrieved from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/151405.php