A POSSIBLE CAUSE OF UTERINE FIBROIDS

Abstract

Uterine fibroids, the most common pelvic neoplasm, have commanded the interest of all gynecologists. Their treatment, both by operation and by radium, has been thoroughly discussed in current medical literature, yet little has been written concerning their etiology. With, the additions to our knowledge about the ovarian and anterior pituitary hormones, glandular dysfunction is becoming more and more prominent as a possible cause of fibroids. This paper offers a series of 275 cases of fibroids, the analysis of which evidences a possible etiological relationship between continuous oestrin stimulation from the ovary and the formation of hyperplasia of the endometrium and fibromyomatous growths of the myometrium. The relative frequency of fibroids in negroes has suggested in the past the influence of race as a possible etiological factor. This fact is mentioned because in our Southern hospitals, where the admission of white and colored women is about equal, a preponderance of these tumors is noted in the colored women, in a ratio, roughly, of 10 to 1. Bulloch describes a possible fibroid tendency in the negro as a racial peculiarity, though there is a general impression extant that these growths Averc unknown among the primitive tribes. Why there should be any relationship between the development of fibroids and the advancing civilization of negro women is difficult to understand. Suffice it to say that scientific data, are still wanting to confirm definitely that either heredity or race is a cause.