Submucosal fibroids are noncancerous tumors that develop in the inner layer of the uterus and can cause menstrual-related symptoms, prolonged menstruation, severe uterine cramping, and infertility. Treatment options include medical treatment, surgery, or a procedure that blocks blood flow to the fibroids.
A submucosal fibroid is a noncancerous tumor that develops in the inner layer of the uterus, which is the area just under the uterine lining, or endometrium. Like other types of fibroids, a submucosal fibroid can develop without causing symptoms. However, some of them grow large enough to cause discomfort and other problems. Some of these fibroids even develop stalk-like formations.
When submucous fibroids grow large, they can cause a variety of menstrual-related symptoms. For example, this type of fibroid can cause a woman to bleed heavily not only during her menstrual cycle, but also during the period between menstrual periods. These symptoms occur because the fibroid disrupts the uterine lining, increasing its surface area and causing more lining to shed during the menstrual cycle.
Some women with submucosal fibroids pass large clots that cause cramping pains as they pass through the cervix, which is the neck of the uterus. Prolonged menstruation may also occur, lasting beyond the normal length of a period. For example, some women may bleed for a week or more beyond their normal periods. Women also often experience severe uterine cramping, as the uterus treats the submucosal fibroid like a foreign object and attempts to use contractions to force it out. In some cases, the pain of these contractions has been compared to labor pains.
A woman with a submucosal fibroid may also have problems trying to have a baby. Depending on where the fibroid is located, it can make it difficult for a fertilized egg to implant in the uterine lining. These fibroids can even cause a woman to miscarry. In fact, some submucosal fibroids can even cause a blockage of a fallopian tube, the tube through which the egg travels to reach the uterus, interfering with the meeting between egg and sperm. Women with this type of fibroid may struggle more with infertility than those with other types of fibroids.
Treatment of a submucosal fibroid depends on a number of factors, including its size, the symptoms it causes, and whether or not the affected woman is of childbearing age and wants to have children. Medical treatment can be used to provide temporary relief of symptoms. Surgery is usually the most effective treatment option for a woman with this type of fibroid. Surgical options include removal of the uterus or just the fibroid. Instead of surgery, doctors can perform a procedure that blocks blood flow to the fibroids, causing them to die.
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