What does leiomyoma mean?
A leiomyoma is a benign, noncancerous tumor that develops from smooth muscle. It can occur in various parts of the body, but it is especially common in the uterus, where patients often call it a fibroid. Uterine leiomyomas may cause heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain, or no symptoms at all, depending on their size and location. The term is principally used in clinical and scientific contexts, while "fibroid" provides a more familiar everyday equivalent in discussions of uterine tumors. A leiomyoma is distinct from a leiomyosarcoma, which is malignant and therefore much more serious. The word combines elements meaning "smooth," "muscle," and "tumor," accurately describing the tissue from which these growths arise.
nounA benign tumor arising from smooth muscle, most commonly occurring in the uterus, where it is often called a fibroid.
- A benign tumor composed of smooth muscle.
- A benign smooth-muscle tumor of the uterus, commonly called a fibroid.
"An ultrasound revealed a small leiomyoma in her uterus."
"The pathologist confirmed that the mass was a leiomyoma."
"Her symptoms improved after treatment for a uterine leiomyoma."
The regularly pluralized form is leiomyomas; leiomyomata is also used in medical writing.
"The scan identified two leiomyomas."
Behind the clinical name leiomyoma lies a literal description: a tumor made from smooth muscle.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does leiomyoma come from?
Leiomyoma comes from Greek roots meaning "smooth" and "muscle," combined with "-oma," a suffix denoting a tumour or swelling. The term developed in medical usage to identify a tumour arising from smooth muscle. Related medical words include myoma, referring to a muscle tumour, and myocyte, denoting a muscle cell.
Related word forms
How leiomyoma is actually used
This is primarily a medical term. In gynecology, the lay term "fibroid" is more widely understood.
Easily confused with leiomyoma
A leiomyoma is benign, whereas a leiomyosarcoma is a malignant tumor of smooth muscle.
Fibroid is an informal term, especially for a benign uterine leiomyoma, whereas leiomyoma is the formal medical term.