parasitisches Leiomyom

Parasitic leiomyomas are considered a type of extra-uterine leiomyoma and present as peritoneal pelvic benign smooth-muscle masses separate from the uterus.

Pathology

This sort of leiomyoma likely originates as a pedunculated subserosal leiomyoma that twists and torses from its uterine pedicle. The contact with the uterus is then lost.

Once free in the peritoneal cavity, it then survives by recruiting neo-vascularization from adjacent structures. The originating pedunculated fibroid likely develops pre-menopausally, whereas the parasitic leiomyoma may become clinically evident either before or after menopause.

Occasionally a broad ligament leiomyoma is also classified under parasitic leiomyomas .

Radiographic features

On imaging, a parasitic leiomyoma presents as a solid pelvic or abdominal mass with characteristics similar to uterine leiomyoma.

Treatment and prognosis

With behavior similar to uterine leiomyoma, a parasitic leiomyoma may recur after resection or, conversely, may show hormone-responsive behavior, including size stability or even shrinkage with natural, surgical, or chemical menopause.

Surgery is usually performed for symptomatic relief or to prevent impingement of vital structures.

Differential diagnosis

The differential for a parasitic leiomyoma varies with its location can include:

• ovarian stromal tumors
• leiomyosarcoma
• drop metastases
• lymphadenopathy 

See also

• disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis
• intravenous leiomyomatosis
• benign metastasizing leiomyoma

Siehe auch:

• Leiomyosarkom
• broad ligament leiomyoma
• pelvine extrauterine Leiomyome
• subseröses Uterusmyom
• Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata