HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Wallach, E. E. Articles by Vlahos, N. F. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Wallach, E. E. Articles by Vlahos, N. F. Related Collections Endoscopic surgery General gynecology Gynecologic surgery Pathology Pelvic pain

Uterine Myomas: An Overview of Development, Clinical Features, and Management

From the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland.

Address reprint requests to: Edward E. Wallach, MD, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 600 North Wolfe Street, Phipps Building #201, Baltimore, MD 21287-1201; e-mail: jensam2{at}comcast.net and ewallach{at}jhmi.edu.

OBJECTIVE: To review the biology and the pathophysiology of uterine myomas, focus on options for management, and emphasize principles that will render the decision-making process as logical as possible.

DESIGN: Literature review and synthesis of the authors’ experience and philosophy.

RESULTS: Uterine myomas are the most common solid pelvic tumors in women. There is increasing evidence that they have a genetic basis and that their growth is related to genetic predisposition, hormonal influences, and various growth factors. Treatment choices are wide and include pharmacologic, surgical, and radiographically directed intervention. Most myomas can be followed serially with surveillance for development of symptoms or progressive growth.

CONCLUSION: The past century has witnessed development of highly sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic technology for myomas. The tools currently at our disposal permit greater management flexibility with safe options, which must be tailored to the individual clinical situation.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				A. Mayer, M. Hockel, A. Wree, C. Leo, L.-C. Horn, and P. Vaupel Lack of Hypoxic Response in Uterine Leiomyomas despite Severe Tissue Hypoxia Cancer Res., June 15, 2008; 68(12): 4719 - 4726. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				E. Somigliana, P. Vercellini, R. Daguati, R. Pasin, O. De Giorgi, and P.G. Crosignani Fibroids and female reproduction: a critical analysis of the evidence Hum. Reprod. Update, September 1, 2007; 13(5): 465 - 476. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				L. A. Brinton, L. C. Sakoda, M. E. Sherman, K. Frederiksen, S. K. Kjaer, B. I. Graubard, J. H. Olsen, and L. Mellemkjaer Relationship of Benign Gynecologic Diseases to Subsequent Risk of Ovarian and Uterine Tumors Cancer Epidemiol. Biomarkers Prev., December 1, 2005; 14(12): 2929 - 2935. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M Nasiadek, T Krawczyk, and A Sapota Tissue levels of cadmium and trace elements in patients with myoma and uterine cancer Human and Experimental Toxicology, December 1, 2005; 24(12): 623 - 630. [Abstract] [PDF]

				W. H. Parker Uterine Myomas: An Overview of Development, Clinical Features, and Management Obstet. Gynecol., January 1, 2005; 105(1): 216 - 217. [Full Text] [PDF]

				E. E. Wallach and N. F. Vlahos Uterine Myomas: An Overview of Development, Clinical Features, and Management: Obstet. Gynecol., January 1, 2005; 105(1): 217 - 217. [Full Text] [PDF]