What does myoma mean?
Myoma is a medical term for a benign tumor made up of muscle tissue. Its most familiar application is in gynecology, where it usually means a uterine leiomyoma, a noncancerous growth in the uterine wall that is often informally called a fibroid. Myomas may cause no symptoms, although some lead to heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pressure, pain, or fertility-related concerns. Their management depends on their size, symptoms, and the patient’s overall health, and options can range from observation to medication or surgery. The word is more specialized and formal than “fibroid,” so it commonly appears in medical literature, diagnostic discussions, and clinical advice rather than everyday conversation. Its name reflects its structure: the term combines the Greek root for “muscle” with a suffix referring to a tumor or swelling.
nounA benign tumor made up of muscle tissue, especially one arising in the uterus. In gynecological usage, a myoma is commonly a uterine leiomyoma, also called a fibroid.
- A benign tumor composed of muscle tissue, especially a uterine leiomyoma.
"Her uterine myoma was monitored rather than treated because it caused no significant symptoms."
"The scan revealed a small myoma in the uterine wall."
"Myoma is a specialized medical term, so a patient should discuss the diagnosis with a qualified clinician."
Plural form used when referring to multiple benign muscle tumors or, commonly, multiple uterine leiomyomas.
"Several myomas were detected during the ultrasound."
The word myoma joins two ideas: mys, meaning “muscle,” and -oma, meaning a swelling or tumor—a compact label for a muscular growth.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does myoma come from?
Myoma was formed in the early 19th century from Greek mys, meaning “muscle,” combined with the suffix -oma, used in the formation of names for tumors or swellings. The same Greek root appears in related medical terms such as myocyte, myopathy, and myositis. The modern sense developed alongside the medical study of benign tumors and was later especially associated with uterine growths.
Related word forms
How myoma is actually used
This is a formal medical term. In gynecology, it most often refers to a uterine leiomyoma, which is commonly called a fibroid; outside that context, it can refer more broadly to a benign muscle tumor.
Easily confused with myoma
A fibroid usually refers specifically to a benign uterine myoma, whereas myoma can more broadly denote a benign tumor composed of muscle tissue.