title: Uterine fibroids: the elephant in the room.
abstract: Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas) have historically been viewed as important chiefly as the major indication for hysterectomy. As new therapies are developed, the heterogeneity of this disease becomes therapeutically relevant. An awareness of the role of genetics, the extracellular matrix, and hormones in tumor etiology is key to understanding this disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Carcinogenesis, University of Texas and MD Anderson Cancer Center, Park Road 1C, Smithville, TX 78957, USA.
authors.forename: Cheryl Lyn
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Elizabeth A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Stewart
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005109:Extracellular Matrix / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones / Q000502:physiology; D006133:Growth Substances / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000209:etiology / Q000235:genetics / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy
chemical_list: D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D006133:Growth Substances