Brig (Dr.) P. K. Bhatnagar1, Rita Saxena2, Pankaj Saxena3, Rajesh Vyas4
Fibroid or leiomyoma is the commonest of all uterine tumors in more common in reproductive age. They are most common in women of child-bearing age. Their classification is determined by their origin and direction of growth. They are divided into three main groups subserous, interstitial, and submucous. Submucous fibroids arise beneath the endometrial layer and often project into endometrial cavity, interstitial or intramural fibroids arise within the myometrium, and subserous fibroids arise from serosal layer and present as adnexal masses. Extra-uterine fibroids do occur but are not as common as uterine fibroids. Extra-uterine fibroids may develop in the broad ligament or at other sites where smooth muscle exists. Common symptoms of fibroids include menstrual disturbances, dysmenorrhea, and symptoms related to pressure caused by the mass. Most common secondary changes are degeneration, infection, hemorrhage, necrosis, and rarely, sarcomatous changes. (1)
