Uterine fibroids are classified into several types.

Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
Updated on August 31, 2024
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Uterine fibroids are classified by location into two types: myometrial fibroids and cervical fibroids. Based on the relationship between the uterine fibroids and the muscular wall, there are three kinds of uterine fibroids: intramural fibroids, subserosal fibroids, and submucosal fibroids. Intramural fibroids, primarily located within the uterine wall and enclosed by a muscular layer, are recommended for surgical treatment once the fibroid's diameter exceeds four centimeters, as they tend to grow rapidly. Similarly, subserosal fibroids grow towards the peritoneal surface of the uterus and are on the exterior of the uterus. If subserosal fibroids also exceed four centimeters in diameter and are accompanied by menstrual changes, surgical treatment is advised. Furthermore, submucosal fibroids, regardless of their size, require timely surgical intervention due to their association with heavy bleeding and a high risk of anemia.

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Written by Li Lin
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Can uterine fibroids eat donkey-hide gelatin?

Patients with uterine fibroids can consume donkey-hide gelatin. This is because uterine fibroids often cause increased menstrual flow and prolonged menstrual periods. Due to the long-term increase in menstrual volume and duration, there is an increase in blood loss, leading to anemia. The main functions of donkey-hide gelatin are to nourish the blood, moisten dryness, and stop bleeding, making it suitable for patients with uterine fibroids. Consuming donkey-hide gelatin can alleviate the anemia and excessive menstrual bleeding caused by uterine fibroids. However, donkey-hide gelatin is relatively heaty, so it should not be consumed in excess.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How is uterine fibroid surgery performed?

When a woman has uterine fibroids, the surgical method should be decided based on the specific location, size, number of fibroids, age, and fertility requirements. If the uterine fibroid is relatively large, pretreatment can typically be carried out before the surgery. For example, using GNRHA-type drugs can reduce the size of uterine fibroids and lower the risk of surgery. Submucosal fibroids can be treated with hysteroscopic electroresection. Intramural or subserosal fibroids can be removed via laparoscopic surgery.

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Written by Jia Rui
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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What is uterine fibroids?

In clinical practice, uterine fibroids are common benign tumors found in female reproductive organs. Clinically, they present with symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding, anemia, and pressure on the rectum, causing difficulty in defecation, as well as pressure on the bladder, leading to urgency in urination. Uterine fibroids, also known as fibromyomas or uterine leiomyomas, are the most common tumors in the human body. They mainly consist of proliferating smooth muscle cells of the uterus, with a small amount of fibrous connective tissue acting as support. Uterine fibroids can affect the function of the reproductive cycle. It is advisable to visit a gynecologist for examination and actively seek treatment.

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Written by Shen Li Wen
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Uterine fibroid examination items

When suspecting that a woman has uterine fibroids, the first step is to perform a routine gynecological examination by opening the vagina with a speculum. This is necessary because some women's uterine fibroids are located on the cervix; at this point, it is possible to see an increased size of the cervix and the fibroid may be visible protruding from the cervix. Moreover, during the bimanual gynecological examination, one may find that the uterus is enlarged and irregularly shaped with localized protrusions. Generally, the mobility is quite good. Additionally, some auxiliary examinations can be combined, such as the most common transvaginal ultrasound or pelvic abdominal ultrasound. For suspected submucosal uterine fibroids, a hysteroscopic examination can also be performed for diagnosis.

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Written by Sun Shan Shan
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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How long does uterine fibroid surgery take?

Firstly, there are several types of surgeries for uterine fibroids, so the duration of the surgery depends on the size of the fibroids, the surgical method, and the type of anesthesia used. If the surgery is an open surgery for simply removing benign uterine fibroids, the operation, including the time for anesthesia, generally takes about two hours, which is not very long. If the surgery is done laparoscopically under general anesthesia, it may take a longer time, and it takes some time for the patient to recover from anesthesia post-surgery. If the uterine tumor is malignant, then the surgery might require rapid pathological examination and the removal of other areas, leading to a more extended surgery time which can vary significantly.