A Lump in the Uterus? What 'Accumulation and Gathering' Reveals About Uterine Leiomyoma, and Why It Must Not Be Ignored

Modern medicine defines uterine leiomyoma as a benign tumor arising from the uterine smooth muscle. Put simply, it is a lump formed when uterine muscle cells proliferate abnormally. Although the exact cause remains unclear, it is considered to develop through a combination of multiple complex factors. One of the most essential factors is hormones. The female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone play a critical role in the growth of leiomyomas. Estrogen promotes the growth of leiomyoma cells, while progesterone is known to support cell proliferation under the influence of estrogen, much like plants growing vigorously when fertilized. Additionally, genetic factors, meaning a family history, increase the risk of occurrence, and various growth factors such as insulin-like growth factor and epidermal growth factor have been found to encourage leiomyoma growth. A uterine leiomyoma does not simply increase in size; it also affects surrounding vascular formation. Because blood supply within the leiomyoma is often inadequate, a state of hypoxia develops, prompting attempts to form new blood vessels, or blood circulation slows down, creating a vicious cycle of waste accumulation. What is crucial here are chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. Just as obstructed circulation of qi and blood leading to blood stasis creates a state similar to inflammation in the body, continuous inflammatory reactions and oxidative stress occur in the tissues surrounding the uterine leiomyoma. This can further accelerate the growth of the leiomyoma and serve as a major cause of pain. The severe dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, and lower abdominal pressure you experience appear due to the presence of these leiomyomas and active inflammatory reactions. Modern medicine diagnoses uterine leiomyoma through imaging studies such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging, and depending on its size or symptoms, considers pharmacotherapy, conservative treatment such as embolization, or surgical treatment including myomectomy or hysterectomy. Above all, however, the most important step is detecting and managing these conditions early without overlooking the small signals your body sends. Our uterus is precious to us.