Types of uterine fibroids
- What are uterine fibroids?
- What types of uterine fibroids are there?
- Types of uterine fibroids according to their location
- Types of uterine fibroids according to size
- What types of uterine fibroids require surgery?
- Uterine fibroids are benign tumours that occur in the uterus of women, especially in women over 35 years of age.
- Depending on the location and size, different types of uterine fibroids can be determined, some being more common than others.
- All types of uterine fibroids require surgical removal to eliminate them, although only symptomatic ones are usually operated on.
What are uterine fibroids?
Uterine fibroids are a medical problem in women that involves the formation of benign tumours in the uterus. They can lead to more or less severe symptoms that have a direct impact on women's daily quality of life.
Their prevalence increases as women approach the menopause, with a multifactorial origin but with hormonal changes standing out above the rest.
Once symptomatic uterine fibroids occur, the only option for them to disappear is to carry out surgery to remove them. Although fibroids must generally be removed, it is important to point out that there are different types of uterine fibroids, vital information that the surgeon must be fully aware of in order to be able to perform the operation with maximum safety and the highest success rates.
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What types of uterine fibroids are there?
Uterine fibroids can be classified in two ways, according to their location or size. In this section we will explain the different types of uterine fibroids that exist on this basis.
Types of uterine fibroids according to their location
The differentiation of types of fibroids according to their location is based on the layer of the uterus where they form. Depending on which of these areas the myoma appears, they may be:
Subserosal fibroids
This type of fibroid forms below the outermost layer of the uterus, known as the serous layer. The appearance of subserosal fibroids means that the uterus has a lumpy, nodular appearance when viewed from the outside.
Intramural fibroids
Intramural fibroids are the most common type of uterine fibroid. They form inside the muscle wall of the uterus and grow into the uterus. As a result, an enlargement of the organ can be felt.
Submucosal fibroids
This type of uterine fibroid forms under the innermost layer of the uterus, the endometrium. It is the least common type of uterine fibroid but the one that causes the most problems and symptoms.
Pedunculated fibroids
Pedunculated uterine fibroids are subserosal or submucosal fibroids that detach from the uterus until they are only attached to the uterus by a thin thread of tissue called a pedicle.
Types of uterine fibroids according to size
On the other hand, we can classify the types of fibroids according to their size. This classification will guide the surgeon in choosing the type of surgical intervention that will be necessary. Uterine fibroids can be classified according to their size:
- Small uterine fibroids: The diameter of these fibroids is equal to or less than 2 cm.
- Medium uterine fibroids: In this case, the maximum diameter of the fibroid should be between 2 and 6 cm.
- Large uterine fibroids: The maximum diameter is between 6 and 20 cm.
- Giant uterine fibroids: For a uterine fibroid to be considered giant, its diameter must be greater than 20 cm.
Do you need uterine fibroids surgery?
Request a free and immediate appointment with our specialists in General Surgery
What types of uterine fibroids require surgery?
In order to solve problems related to uterine fibroids, it will always be necessary to undergo fibroid removal surgery. Although surgery is the only way to solve uterine fibroids, only women with symptoms or fertility problems related to fibroids are usually operated on.
To treat uterine fibroids, there are several types of surgery that differ mainly in that some are used to remove the fibroids and others aim to remove the uterus completely.
Types of operations to remove uterine fibroids
Operations to remove uterine fibroids may be:
- Surgical hysteroscopy: This operation is minimally invasive and aims to remove smaller submucosal uterine fibroids.
- Myomectomy: This can be performed by abdominal incision or laparoscopy and is used to remove fibroids one by one.
- Hysterectomy: This procedure involves the removal of the entire uterus, thus directly eliminating the problems related to uterine fibroids.
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