5 Types of Fibroids & Their Location
There are four main types of fibroids based on their size and location relative to the uterus: intramural fibroids, subserosal fibroids, submucosal fibroids, and pedunculated fibroids.¹⁻² Each one is explained below so you can understand the different types of fibroids and their locations and symptoms. Most women with uterine fibroids have more than one type of fibroid.¹
What Are Intramural Fibroids?
Intramural fibroids, the most common type of fibroid, grow in the wall of the uterus. They may eventually enlarge to distort the uterine cavity or serosal surface.
What Are Transmural Fibroids?
A transmural fibroid is an intramural fibroid that extends from the serose membrane to the mucosal surface.
What Are Subserosal Fibroids?
Subserosal fibroids grow on the outside of the uterus. As they grow larger, they can cause pain due to their size and the pressure that they put on nearby organs.
What Are Submucosal Fibroids?
Submucosal fibroids grow just underneath the uterine lining and can crowd into the uterine cavity, leading to heavy bleeding and other more serious complications.
What Are Pedunculated Fibroids?
Pedunculated fibroids grow on small stalks inside or outside the uterus, and are thought to cause episodes of acute pain when they twist and contort.
Check out more fibroid facts and read our post on the differences between a fibroid, cyst, and polyp to learn more.
References
[1] Stewart, E. A. (2001). Uterine fibroids. The Lancet, 357(9252), 293–298.
[2] Munro, M. G., Critchley, H. O. D., & Fraser, I. S. (2011). The FIGO classification of causes of abnormal uterine bleeding in the reproductive years. Fertility and Sterility, 95(7), 2204–2208.e3.