Cytogenetic and other genetic insights into the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyomata Paola Dal Cin and Cynthia C Morton

Benign smooth muscle tumors develop at various sites within the body, and most fre­ quently affect uterine myometrium. Leiomy­ omata of the uterus, also known as uterine leiomyomata, fibromas, or myomata, are the commonest neoplasms of the female genital tract and constitute a major health issue for women. The goal of this chapter is to summarize current understanding of cytogenetic aberrations and other genetic findings in uterine leiomyomata (UL) with respect to their contributions to the pathogenesis of these tumors.