Epidemiological and genetic clues for molecular mechanisms involved in uterine leiomyoma development and growth.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are highly prevalent benign smooth muscle tumors of the uterus. In the USA, the lifetime risk for women developing uterine leiomyomas is estimated as up to 75%. Except for hysterectomy, most therapies or treatments often provide only partial or temporary relief and are not successful in every patient. There is a clear racial disparity in the disease; African-American women are estimated to be three times more likely to develop uterine leiomyomas and generally develop more severe symptoms. There is also familial clustering between first-degree relatives and twins, and multiple inherited syndromes in which fibroid development occurs. Leiomyomas have been described as clonal and hormonally regulated, but despite the healthcare burden imposed by

SUBMITTER: Commandeur AE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4533663 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep-Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature