Differential Diagnosis for Enlarged Uterus Far Postpartum
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Uterine fibroids: This is a common condition in women of reproductive age and can cause uterine enlargement. Fibroids can grow during pregnancy and may not shrink back to their pre-pregnancy size after delivery, leading to an enlarged uterus postpartum.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Adenomyosis: A condition where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows into the uterine walls, leading to an enlarged uterus. It's common in women who have had multiple pregnancies.
- Uterine polyps or other benign growths: These can cause uterine enlargement and are relatively common in women.
- Endometrial hyperplasia: A condition where the lining of the uterus grows too thick, which can cause uterine enlargement.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Uterine cancer (endometrial or cervical): Although less common, uterine cancer can cause uterine enlargement and is critical to diagnose early for effective treatment.
- Uterine sarcoma: A rare but aggressive type of cancer that can cause rapid uterine enlargement.
- Postpartum hemorrhage or retained products of conception: Although less likely far postpartum, these conditions can cause uterine enlargement and are medical emergencies.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Uterine lymphoma: A rare type of cancer that can cause uterine enlargement.
- Uterine metastasis from another primary cancer: Rarely, cancers from other parts of the body can metastasize to the uterus, causing enlargement.
- Rare genetic conditions affecting uterine size: Certain genetic conditions can affect uterine development and size, though these are extremely rare and usually identified earlier in life.