A leiomyoma, otherwise known as a uterine fibroid tumor, is a benign, smooth muscle tumor of the uterus that can vary in location, size, and affect. There are four major types of fibroids, but most fibroid conditions consist of multiple fibroid types, and as each fibroid type is associated with its own set of symptoms, the potential for treatment and type of treatment varies.
Submucosal
Submucosal fibroids develop within the uterine cavity. They are associated with intense cramping and heavy bleeding. The New York Times article "Fibroids: An In-Depth Report," note that submucosal fibroids, which are generally smaller than other types of fibroids, can cause excessive bleeding, and result in anemia. According to Allan Warshowsky, M.D. and author of "Healing Fibroids," subserosal myomas are the most difficult to heal through holistic means. Conversely, Tori Hudson N.D., naturopathic physician, women's health expert and author of the article "Uterine Fibroids: Women's Health Update" suggests that the procedure of choice for submucosal fibroid tumors is hysteroscopy. In this procedure a scope is inserted through the vagina and into the uterus, and the tumors are cauterized, or removed by heat of a laser.
Subserous
Subserous fibroids appear on the outer surface of the uterus. These types of fibroids seem to cause the majority of the extra-uterine symptoms. They can cause the dimensions of the uterus to increase significantly, possibly pushing up against the bowels and/or the bladder, and even down into the vaginal opening, causing painful intercourse for some women. Subserous fibroids tend to cause the uterus to grow during the menses in particular, when increased blood flow to the uterus also increases nutrient distribution to the tumor. Laparoscopic surgery is a procedure whereby small incisions are made in the pelvic area to enable the removal of tumors on the outside of the uterus. Dr. Hudson regards laparoscopy as a minimally invasive procedure recommended specifically for subserosal tumors.
Intramural
Intramural, also known as interstitial fibroids develop within the wall of the uterus, are usually rounded in shape as they are subject to equal pressure on either side. Intramural fibroids cause the uterus to expand in size and instigate vaguely described symptoms of "bulkiness." These symptoms can range from heavy menstrual flow and pelvic and back pain, to change in bladder and bowel habits.
Pedunculated
Pedunculated tumors are connected to the uterus by a stalk. Womenshealth.gov describes these tumors as looking like mushrooms. The tumors can be found deep within the abdominal cavity. Typically, a woman can present with no symptoms at all, diffuse pain, nausea, and/or vomiting if the tumor is pressing on another abdominal organ. Intense, sharp stabbing pains can mimic peritonitis or acute abdomen if the stalk is twisting upon itself.
References
- Northwestern University Radiology: "Types of Fibroids"
- Dr. Tori Hudson, N.D. "Uterine Fibroids: A Health Update"
- The NY Times: "Fibroids -- In-Depth Report"
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: "Uterine Fibroids"
- Healing Fibroids: A Doctors Guide to a Natural Cure; Warshowsky and Oumano; 2002
