What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• AMF of Cervix
• AMFB of Uterine Cervix
• Cervical Angiomyofibroblastoma

What is Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix? (Definition/Background Information)

• Angiomyofibroblastoma (AMF or AMFB) of Uterine Cervix is a rare, benign tumor of the soft tissues that occurs in the uterine cervix of young and middle-aged women
• The cause of Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix is unknown and no definitive risk factors have been identified. Most tumors do not present significant signs and symptoms
• Some may grow to larger sizes and can cause emotional stress and pressure in the pelvic region. Cervical Angiomyofibroblastomas occur a mass on the uterine cervix
• Surgical excision of the tumor is the preferred method of treatment. With adequate treatment, the prognosis of Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix is generally excellent, since it is a benign tumor

Who gets Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix is a rare tumor that mostly affects females in the age group 25-50 years; even though a wider age range (17-88 years) may be observed
• There is no known ethnic group or racial preference
• In general, angiomyofibroblastoma are rare tumors, and the uterine cervix is a very uncommon site for this tumor

What are the Risk Factors for Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix? (Predisposing Factors)

• Currently, no specific risk factors for Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix have been identified
• The tumors are mostly seen during the active reproductive years in women

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix? (Etiology)

• The exact cause and mechanism of Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix formation is unknown
• Some tumors have revealed certain genetic abnormalities that are being currently researched upon
• Some researchers believe that angiomyofibroblastomas are mesenchymal tumors. The mesenchyme is the middle layer of the 3 primary germ layers of an embryo, namely the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. The mesoderm gives rise to mesenchymal tissue, which is the source for bone, muscle, connective tissue, and dermis of skin

Cervical Angiomyofibroblastoma is not a sexually-transmitted disease/condition.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix?

Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix signs and symptoms may include:

• The benign tumors grow at a very slow rate and may present no pain or tenderness
• The soft tissue tumors are well-circumscribed with clear borders. Angiomyofibroblastomas can occur as a polyp
• The tumors are firm and solid with a rubbery feel
• The vulva and vagina are more common sites for this tumor than the uterine cervix
• In rare cases, the tumor may be observed to form a bag-like structure (pedunculated tumor)
• Some women may experience a sense of pressure in the region, if the tumor grows to large sizes
• Majority of the tumors are less than 5 cm in size, while some grow undetected to up to 14 cm, due to a lack of significant signs and symptoms during the initial development stages
• Pain during sexual intercourse
• Large tumors may result in the following:
  • Pain in the pelvic region
  • Frequent urination due to compression/pressure of the tumor
  • Lower back pain

In general, almost all the angiomyofibroblastoma tumors are observed in the pelvic region, between the anus and the genitalia. Rarely, in females, they are noted to form in the urethra or in the fallopian tube.

How is Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix Diagnosed?

A diagnosis of Angiomyofibroblastoma of Cervix is made using the following tools:

• Evaluation of the individual’s medical history and a thorough physical (pelvic) examination
• Ultrasound scan of the abdomen
• CT or CAT scan with contrast of the abdomen and pelvis may show a well-defined mass. This radiological procedure creates detailed 3-dimensional images of structures inside the body
• MRI scans of the abdomen and pelvis: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a magnetic field to create high-quality pictures of certain parts of the body, such as tissues, muscles, nerves, and bones. These high-quality pictures may reveal the presence of the tumor
• Hysteroscopy: This procedure involves placing a probe through the cervix to examine the cavity of the uterus. This exam is helpful in detecting submucosal tumors
• Hysterosalpingography: It is usually performed in individuals with infertility. In this procedure, the structure of the uterus and fallopian tubes are studied by using a dye and X-ray images
• Colposcopy:
  • The cervix is examined with an instrument, called a colposcope. This helps the physician get a magnified view of the cervix
  • In order for this procedure to be performed, the individual has to lie on a table, as for a pelvic exam. An instrument, called the speculum, is placed in the vagina to keep the opening apart, in order to help the physician visualize the cervix. The colposcope is then used to get a magnified view of the inside
• Colposcopic biopsy: The abnormal areas of the cervix are visualized with a colposcope. After numbing the cervix with a local anesthetic, an instrument, called a biopsy forceps, is used to get a tissue sample. Mild cramps, pain, and some light bleeding, may occur following the procedure
• Endocervical curettage (endocervical scraping): The curette is an instrument that can be used to scrape out tissue. Using a curette, cells are scraped out from the endocervix (the inner part of the cervix, close to the uterus/womb) and examined under a microscope. Mild pain and bleeding maybe present following the procedure

Tissue biopsy:

• A tissue biopsy of the tumor is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis. Examination of the biopsy under a microscope by a pathologist is considered to be gold standard in arriving at a conclusive diagnosis
• Biopsy specimens are studied initially using Hematoxylin and Eosin staining. The pathologist then decides on additional studies depending on the clinical situation
• Sometimes, the pathologist may perform special studies, which may include immunohistochemical stains, molecular testing, and very rarely, electron microscopic studies to assist in the diagnosis

Note: The tumor can present diagnostic challenges as they are often confused during the initial stages for an aggressive angiomyxoma (when observed under a microscope).

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix?

Complications due to Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix could include:

• Emotional stress due to a concern for cancer
• The presence of the tumor can lead to painful sexual intercourse
• Fertility issues due to mechanical obstruction of the cervix: Blockage of the cervical canal opening can obstruct easy passage of the sperms
• If the tumor is large and has infiltrated deep into adjoining regions, it may lead to significant risks during surgical operations, which could include damage of vital nerves, blood vessels, and other adjoining organs
• Post-surgical infection at the wound site is a potential complication
• Extremely rarely, the tumor may recur following their surgical excision and removal

How is Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix Treated?

Treatment measures for Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix may include the following:

• The healthcare provider may recommend a ‘wait and watch’ approach for small-sized tumors that do not cause any significant signs and symptoms, after a diagnosis of angiomyofibroblastoma has been established
• Pain medications, in case of tumors causing pain
• Surgical intervention with complete excision can result in a complete cure. It can also help reduce the chances of tumor recurrence
• Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are not usually required
• Post-operative care is important: Minimum activity level is to be ensured until the surgical wound heals
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important and encouraged

How can Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix be Prevented?

• Current medical research has not established a way of preventing Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix
• Medical screening at regular intervals with scans and physical examinations are advised

What is the Prognosis of Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix is a benign tumor and the prognosis is excellent with suitable treatment
• There is no risk of recurrence following its complete surgical removal

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Angiomyofibroblastoma of Uterine Cervix:

Please visit our Cancer & Benign Tumor Health Center for more physician-approved health information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/cancer/