dermatomyoma

bizarre leiomyoma epithelioid leiomyoma.

leiomyoma cu´tis one arising from cutaneous or subcutaneous smooth muscle fibers, found singly or multiply, usually as lesions arising from arrectores pilorum muscles; it may also occur as a solitary genital lesion or a solitary angioleiomyoma arising from the muscle of veins.

epithelioid leiomyoma one in which the cells are polygonal rather than spindle shaped, usually found in the stomach. Called also bizarre leiomyoma and leiomyofibroma.

leiomyoma u´teri (uterine leiomyoma) leiomyoma of the uterus; called also uterine myoma and, colloquially, fibroids. It is the most common of all tumors found in women. It may occur in any part of the uterus, although it is most frequently in the body of the organ.

Leiomyomas usually occur during the third and fourth decades, and are often multiple, although a single tumor may occur. They are usually small but may grow quite large and occupy most of the uterine wall; after menopause, growth usually ceases. Symptoms vary according to the location and size of the tumors. As they grow they may cause pressure on neighboring organs, painful menstruation, profuse and irregular menstrual bleeding, vaginal discharge, or frequent urination, as well as enlargement of the uterus.

In pregnancy, the tumors may interfere with natural enlargement of the uterus with the growing fetus. They may also cause spontaneous abortion and death of the fetus.

Small leiomyomas are usually left undisturbed and are checked at frequent intervals. Larger tumors may be removed surgically, sometimes accompanied by a hysterectomy, or medication may be prescribed to induce a temporary menopause.