Uterine Leiomyomas and Associated Degenerations – A One Year Study

Abstract

Leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors seen clinically in 20 -30 % of women over 30 years of age and are hormone responsive. These tumors are found at different locations in the uterus and present with different clinical symptoms. Various degenerative changes are common in them. Methods: This is a descriptive study conducted in the department of Pathology in NRI Institute of Medical Sciences, Sangivalasa to estimate the incidence of leiomyomas and associated degenerative changes along with pattern of endometrium and other associated pathologies of cervix and myometrium. Results: Out of 82 hysterectomy specimens, 48 cases showed Leiomyomas. Leiomyomas were most common in multiparous women in the 41-50 years age group. Menorrhagia was the most common symptom seen in 33(68.75%) cases followed by dysmenorrhea in 7(14.58%) cases. 28(58.33%) cases showed multiple broids and 20(41.66%) showed single broids. The most common location was intramural with 38(79.16%) cases.13 cases showed degenerative changes with the commonest degeneration being Hyaline degeneration in 8 (16.66%) cases. Cystic change was seen in 2 cases (4.16%), myxoid change in 2(4.16%) cases and calcareous change were seen in 1(2.08%) cases. The most common endometrial pattern was proliferative phase, seen in 24 cases (50%).The other uterine pathologies associated with leiomyoma were, chronic cervicitis in 30(62.5%) cases and adenomyosis, seen in 8(16.66%) cases. Conclusion: Leiomyomas are the most common benign tumors of the myometrium. Degenerative changes occurring in them cause diagnostic difculties which can only be conrmed histologically.