Different classification methods for uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are the most common benign tumors of the female genitalia. They are composed of smooth muscle and connective tissue. They are common in women aged 30 to 50, and are rare in women under 20 years old. According to different evaluation criteria, uterine fibroids can be divided into the following types:

1. According to the location of tumor growth, it can be divided into two types: uterine body myoma and cervical myoma.

Uterine body fibroids are common, accounting for about 90% of the incidence of uterine fibroids.

Cervical fibroids are a special type of uterine fibroids, with an incidence rate of about 10%. They grow in a low position, or grow into the subperitoneum and broad ligament, close to the surrounding blood vessels and other pelvic organs, disrupting normal anatomy, increasing the difficulty of surgery and the incidence of complications. According to their growth site, they can be divided into anterior wall, posterior wall, lateral wall and hanging types.

2. Classification based on the relationship between fibroids and uterine muscle wall

Intramural fibroids: Fibroids are located within the uterine muscle wall and are surrounded by myometrium, accounting for about 60% to 70%.

Subserosal fibroids: The fibroids grow toward the uterine serosa and protrude from the surface of the uterus. The surface of the fibroids is only covered by the uterine serosa, accounting for about 20%.

Submucosal fibroids: fibroids grow toward the uterine cavity, protrude from the uterine cavity, and are covered only by the mucosa, accounting for about 10% to 15%. Submucosal fibroids are prone to form pedicles, often causing uterine contractions and being squeezed out of the uterine cavity and protruding into the vagina.

It should be noted that various types of fibroids can coexist in the same uterus, which is called multiple uterine fibroids.