Uterine Fibroid Tumors Dictionary

fibroids: Tumors that form in or around the uterus and are benign, but may interfere with quality of life if they cause prolonged or heavy bleeding and pain, at which time they may be treated with non-invasive therapies or surgery. Also called leiomyomas or myomas.

GnRH: The hormone responsible for releasing gonadotropin, which has a direct impact on the monthly menstrual cycle and the ovaries.

gonadotropin releasing hormone agonists: These are synthetic hormones that act in a similar way to menopause to reduce or block the production of estrogen and progesterone in the ovaries and is sometimes used for short-term control of fibroids.

hypothalamus: Located in the brain, along with the pituitary gland, and responsible for producing the GnRH hormones that initiate a chain of events that begin and end the monthly reproductive cycle.

hysterectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the uterus and, sometimes, the surrounding organs.

hysterosalpingography (HSG): A procedure incorporating X-ray technology and dye injection to observe abnormalities in the fallopian tubes and the uterus.

hysteroscopic myomectomy: A procedure that uses specialized endoscopes, called hysteroscopes or resectoscopes, to remove submucosal fibroids by entering the vaginal opening and passing through the cervix into the uterus.

hysteroscopy: An inspection of uterine fibroids with the use of a hysteroscope, which is equipped with a light and camera, with entry made through the vagina.

hysterosonography: An ultrasound observation of the uterus with the use of a probe following a saline injection; also called sonohysterography.

interventional radiologist: Physicians who are specially trained in cathe

terization insertion methodologies that are used to diagnose and treat a number of conditions.