[MEDICAL QUIZ] #2 Obstetry and Gynecology
A 29-year-old African-American woman with menometrorrhagia undergoes ultrasound of the pelvis, which reveals uterine masses. Biopsy shows a whorled pattern of smooth muscle . A gross specimen from a patient with similar pathology is shown below. These masses are most commonly associated with which of the following conditions? (A) Enlargement during pregnancy (B) Formation of chocolate cysts (C) Malignant transformation (D) Pelvic inflammatory disease (E) Postmenopausal metastasis The correct answer is A. Leiomyomas, or fibroids, are common smooth muscle tumors that are most often seen in African-American women and present with multiple masses. These tumors are benign and can be associated with dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain), menorrhagia/menometrorrhagia (heavy prolonged bleeding), infertility, and abnormal pelvic exams including palpable masses extending from the uterus. Because they are estrogen sensitive, they tend to increase in siz...