According to PubMed, uterine leiomyoma, or fibroids, are benign tumors with a fibril composition that grow in the structural supporting tissue of the uterus. Fibroid tumors can cause swelling of the uterus, enlarging it to appear up to 18 weeks pregnant. The University if Texas Medical Branch states that more commonly the fibroids are so small as to go undetected. The cause of fibroids is unknown, however, several factors are apparent.
Hormonal Factors
Estrogen and progesterone prepare the uterus for pregnancy. InformaHealthcare.com cites a study that shows fibroid tumors undergo the same changes as the uterus during the menstrual cycle. Estrogen levels and receptors in the leiomyoma are higher than in the uterine tissues and, according to MayoClinic.com, appear to influence the growth of fibroid tumors, as does progesterone.
Genetic Link
MayoClinic.com notes that the genetic codes that dictate uterine muscle cell growth are altered in many fibroid tumors. This variation causes abnormal cell development. A family history of uterine fibroids also appears to increase the likelihood of developing tumors. African-American women tend to have more fibroids and at a younger age.
Diabetes
The European Journal of Epidemiology claims the existence of an association between fibroid tumors and diabetes. The link between insulin resistance, obesity and hypertension may cause atherosclerosis. Plaque development may share the same mechanism as fibroid growth and insulin promoted cell mitosis, or division.
References
- University of Texas Medical Branch: Treating Uterine Fibroid Tumors Without Surgery
- PubMed.gov: Transforming growth factor beta3 regulates the versican variants in the extracellular matrix-rich uterine leiomyomas.
- InformaHealthcare.com; "Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologica Scandinavica"; Estrogen and Progesterone Receptors in Uterine Leiomyomas; Mario Marugo, et al,; 1989
- "The European Journal of Epidemiology"; Uterine fibroids risk and history of selected medical conditions linked with female hormones; Fabio Parazzini, et al.; 2004
- Mayo Clinic: Uterine Fibroids
