ABSTRACT
Leiomyomata are the most common benign uterine tumors with an incidence of 5.4-77% in women of reproductive age depending on the method of diagnosis.1 They increase in incidence towards the end of a woman's reproductive cycle. They are particularly common in Negroid populations with a 9-fold increase compared to Caucasian populations.2,3 Some familial tenden cies have been identified.4 The etiology of these processes is unknown, although leiomyoma growth is estrogen dependent. Most leiomy omata are asymptomatic and are an incidental finding at the time of a clinical or ultrasound examination. Approximately 0.1% present as sarcomatous leiomyomata which are rare but serious smooth muscle malignant tumors.5
