The word [leiomyoma] is of Greek origin with combined root terms. The term [-lei(o)-] arises from the Greek [λείος] meaning "smooth", the other root is [μυς] (mys) meaning "muscle". The suffix [-oma] means "tumor" or "mass". A [leiomyoma] is a "smooth muscle tumor". The medical plural form is [leiomyomata], or it can be [leiomyomas].

Since smooth muscle is involuntary muscle, leiomyomata are usually found in viscera. The most common leiomyomata are found in the uterus (see image), in the muscular or submucosal layer of the digestive system, mostly jejunum and ileum, and gallbladder, or in smooth muscle of the skin. The term itself does not imply that leiomyomata are cancerous, and most leiomyomata are not.

Original image courtesy of www.Wikipedia.org