Uterine Fibroid Tumors

Believe it or not, there are many different types of uterine fibroid.  I’ve already created articles on the main types of fibroid, but I’ll summarize them here:

• Subserosal fibroids – these grow on the outside wall of the uterus and can compress nerves and other organs

• Intramural fibroids – these are fibroids which grow inside the uterine wall, and are responsible for making the uterus appear and feel large

• Submucosal fibroids – these grow below the uterine lining and cause heavy bleeding, cramps and spasms

• Pedunculated fibroids – these are fibroids that grow from a stalk, and can be very painful if the stalk is twisted

• Intracavitary fibroids – these fibroids grow inside the uterine cavity, cause heavy bleeding, cramping and affect the fertility
• Calcified fibroids – these are fibroids that have developed calcium deposits, and become hard like bone (or teeth)

• Cervical fibroids – these fibroids grow on or near the cervix and can cause painful intercourse

While there are only these few types of uterine fibroids, it is important to note that a women diagnosed with fibroids usually have more than one fibroid, and more than one type of fibroid.

Submucosal fibroids are those tumors that are located just below the endometrium, which is the lining of the uterus.  (The mucosa refers to the lining of the uterus. Sub means below.)  While they are the most infrequent type of fibroid, they often cause prolonged menstrual periods and excessive heavy bleeding, a condition called menorrhagia.

Submucosal fibroids are more likely to cause the woman a lot of pain.

Typical symptoms of submucosal fibroids include:

• Uterine cramps and spasms – sometimes these can be very strong and almost as powerful as childbirth.  This is because the uterus is trying to expel the fibroid.

• Heavy periods, as the large fibroid mass increases the endometrial surface, resulting in more menstrual blood

• Lengthy periods, as a result of more blood being shed