Uterine Fibroids - AUD Lecture

Question 1

What is uterine fibroids (leiomyomas)

Answer 1

Common noncancerous growths in the uterus
most common pelvic tumor

Question 2

ANATOMY

Answer 2

• smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts of the myometrium
• classified based on location: intramural, submucosal, subserosal
  Vary in size and number

Question 3

Pathophysiology

Answer 3

• increase estrogen and progesterone which leads to increased mitotic rate and likelihood of mutations
• predisposing genetic factors like myometrium abnormalities
• response to injury which increases prostaglandin and vasopressin with onset of menses

Question 4

Risk factors

Answer 4

black race
age
family history
time since last birth
premenopausal
hypertension
early menarche (before age of 10)

Question 5

Protective factors

Answer 5

• smoking
• pregnancies
• hormonal contraception use

Question 6

Symptoms include

Answer 6

heavy menstrual bleeding
dysmenorrhea
non-cyclic pain
abdominal protuberance
painful intercourse
bladder or bowl dysfunction
reproductive problems

Question 7

Treatment

Answer 7

Expectant therapy - no action unless condition changes

Myomectomy - removal of fibroids, resolution of symptoms while preserving uterus but will have to get multiple surgeries

Hysterectomy - removal of the uterus