Uterine fibroids are best described as?

• A. Malignant tumor of the ovary
• B. Disorder caused by hormonal changes
• C. Benign tumors composed of muscle and fibrous tissue in the uterus
• D. Inflammation of the cervix

Answer: (C)

Uterine fibroids are benign tumors that develop from the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus (the myometrium) and are made up of fibrous connective tissue. They are noncancerous growths, also called leiomyomas, that arise within the uterine wall. Hormonal factors, especially estrogen, can influence their size, so they often grow during reproductive years and may shrink after menopause. They are not malignant tumors of the ovary, not an inflammation of the cervix, and they don’t represent a general disorder caused by hormonal changes alone.