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What is uterine myoma?



Uterine myoma is a benign tumor arising in the smooth muscle of the uterus, distinct from cancer.
It is also described as 'a lump made of muscle that grows in the uterus.'
Because there are no early symptoms, many women are unaware until the myoma grows and symptoms appear, and only then visit the hospital. Uterine myoma is common, affecting about 30% of women of childbearing age, and if it is not treated early it grows steadily larger and can lead to a serious situation.

Intramural myoma

A common type of uterine myoma, located deep within the muscular wall of the uterus.
Most cause no noticeable symptoms, though they may increase menstrual flow.

Subserosal myoma

A myoma that develops beneath the peritoneum covering the uterus; it may hang down and form a stalk.
Most cases have no noticeable symptoms.

Submucosal myoma

An uncommon type of uterine myoma that carries a poor prognosis.
Even small ones can cause bleeding or lead to complications.

Causes of uterine myoma
Genetic theory

The hypothesis of a genetic link is supported by the fact that uterine myoma occurs more often in Black and other non-white populations.

Hormonal theory

The hypothesis that persistently elevated estrogen drives the growth of uterine myoma, supported by the tendency of myomas to grow in dependence on female hormones.

Cell nest theory

The hypothesis that immature muscle cells arise in the muscular layer of the uterus and develop into myomas under continuous estrogen stimulation.

Symptoms of uterine myoma

Most women with uterine myoma have no symptoms.
However, about one third of women report abnormal uterine bleeding or menstrual pain, or feel pain or pressure in the pelvis or lower abdomen.
As the myoma grows, some women notice their abdomen enlarging and their clothes feeling tight, and in some cases the lower abdomen protrudes.

Uterine myoma self-diagnosis test

If you have the symptoms below, we recommend a consultation.

  • Dysmenorrhea / menorrhagia
  •  
  • A hard lump felt in the abdomen
  •  
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding
  •  
  • Pelvic pain
  • Lower abdominal discomfort and pressure
  •  
  • Iron deficiency anemia
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  • Indigestion / bowel dysfunction
    (frequent urination / incontinence / constipation)
  •  
  • Miscarriage and infertility
Treatment of uterine myoma
Non-surgical
HIFU
  • A treatment that focuses high-intensity ultrasound on tumor tissue inside the body and uses the heat to remove the myoma.
  • The uterus is preserved, so pregnancy and childbirth remain possible.
Uterine Myoma Embolization
  • A procedure that selectively blocks both uterine arteries to induce ischemia and reduce the size of the myoma.

* The uterus is a woman's second heart. Surgical treatment of uterine myoma may affect pregnancy and childbirth.




Surgical Operations
Laparoscopic Surgery
  • A treatment in which a 15~20mm incision is made inside the navel to insert a laparoscopic camera and two surgical instruments to remove the myoma.
Hysterectomy
  • A procedure that removes the uterus itself, requiring a long hospital stay and a long recovery period.

* The uterus is a woman's second heart. Surgical treatment of uterine myoma may affect pregnancy and childbirth.

PRO HIFU, the non-surgical treatment of the HIFU Clinic



HIFU focuses high-intensity ultrasound on tumor tissue inside the body and uses the heat generated at the focal point to treat the myoma. Because it preserves the uterus and treats only the myoma, pregnancy and childbirth remain possible.

Post-treatment precautions
  • Treatment results and duration may vary depending on individual symptoms.
  • Temporary side effects may occur after treatment and vary with each individual's condition.
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