Case Studies: The Female Reproductive System and Breast: Case 3: Uterine Leiomyoma

38-year old woman, para 2, gravida 2. Complains of heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain and occasional frequent urination. Pap smear, unremarkable. Uterus enlarged and nodular on pelvic examination.

Gross appearance of the enlarged uterus. Note the leiomyomas, benign neoplasms of smooth muscle cell origin.

Leiomyomas of the uterus may be multiple or solitary.

Leiomyoma may protrude through the cervix ("myoma ad vaginam natum" - born through the vagina).

Question for Class Discussion

  • Does leiomyoma occur before menarche and after menopause?

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