What is a myoma?

Myomas are benign muscle tumors of the uterus and ovaries. Normally they cause no discomforts. However, when reaching a certain size treatment is recommended.

 

As myomas develop close to blood vessels from immature muscle cells, they can press on other organs such as kidney, intestine or bladder and interfere with their function.

 

The growth of myomas is stimulated by estrogens. That is why they occur in young women only with the onset of puberty. Existing myomas do not grow further after menopause, nor do new myomas occur.

 

Except for the control by estrogens, nothing is known about the origin of the formation of myomas. However, genetic factors are likely to play a role.

Symptoms

Myomas are not life-threatening, but often lead to severe restrictions on the quality of life due to:

 

• heavy, prolonged bleedings, mid-cycle bleedings
• intense urinary urgency, constipation
• pain in the abdomen, flank, kidneys, sciatic nerve, legs and back as the myomas press on nerve endings
• secondary diseases: urinary tract infections, anemia
• foreign body sensation, heaviness
• adverse effects on the shape and function of the uterus
• complications during pregnancy
• infertility

Types of myomas

There are different types of myomas which differ in location. They are located:

 

• in the muscular wall of the uterus (the most common type): intramural
• on the outer surface of the uterus: subserosal            
• directly under the endometrium: submucosal                    
• in weak points in the connective tissue on the side of the uterus: intraligamentary