Subserosal Fibroids: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

A subserosal fibroid, also called a subserosal leiomyoma or subserosal myoma, develops outside the uterus under the serosa, the smooth outer layer. It’s a benign tumor that can grow directly on the uterine tissue or be attached by a thin stalk. Being outside the uterus, it can exert pressure on the pelvis and nearby organs.

Other Names for Subserosal Fibroids

Subserosal fibroid is the most common term for this type of uterine fibroid, but it also goes by other names, including:

  • Subserosal myoma
  • Subserosal leiomyoma
  • Subserous leiomyoma of the uterus
  • Fundal subserosal fibroid

 

 A subserosal fibroid can be large or small, and it’s possible to have just one or several. The location outside the uterus, size, and number will impact your symptoms and recommended treatment

Subserosal Fibroid Symptoms

Because subserosal fibroids grow outside the uterus, their symptoms differ from those of other types of fibroids. They don’t usually cause heavy menstrual bleeding or bleeding periods. Typically, subserosal fibroids have less impact on the function of the uterus and more impact on neighboring organs, such as the bladder or bowel.

Some of the common symptoms of subserosal uterine fibroids include:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Back of leg pain (sciatica)
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • Constipation or bloating
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Painful sex

Depending on their size and exact location, subserosal fibroids can cause the uterus to expand, extending the abdominal region to resemble a pregnant body. In addition to possibly making women’s bodies look bloated or pregnant, subserosal fibroids create a heavy or full feeling in the pelvic region. 

Types of Subserosal Uterine Fibroids

Subserosal fibroids are classified by their location on the front or back of the uterus or on both sides. You might notice some or all of these symptoms depending on where the subserosal fibroids are in the uterus.

Anterior Subserosal Fibroid

An anterior subserosal fibroid is located on the front of the uterus and mainly presses on the bladder. If the subserosal growth is large enough, it can lead to frequent urination. 

Posterior Subserosal Fibroid

A posterior subserosal fibroid grows on the back of the uterus, possibly pressing the bowel or sciatic nerve. It can cause constipation, lower back pain, or leg pain. 

Are fibroids causing your symptoms? Our symptom checker below can help you determine if you might have symptoms related to fibroids so you can seek a diagnosis from a fibroid specialist.

SYMPTOM CHECKER

What Causes a Subserosal Fibroid?

The cause of fibroids is unknown, but studies suggest a link between genetics, hormones, and the development of uterine fibroids, including subserosal fibroids

It’s known that increased estrogen can cause fibroids to grow larger, leading to more symptoms. Age also plays a role, with most women developing these growths between puberty and menopause.

SUBSEROSAL FIBROID RISK FACTORS FOR WOMEN

While women during their childbearing years have a 70 percent chance of developing fibroids, the risk for African-American women is even higher, at 80 percent.

In addition, women who have never had children or who started puberty at an early age (before the age of 12) also have a higher risk of developing fibroids.

SUBSEROSAL FIBROIDS DURING PREGNANCY

Since subserosal fibroids are positioned outside the uterus, they typically have less influence on fertility than other types of fibroids. However, if they continue to grow during pregnancy, they can pose challenges to fetal development and natural childbirth.

During pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations can contribute to the growth of existing fibroids, leading to potential complications, such as a lower birth weight and the likelihood of a cesarean delivery (C-section).

How to Get a Subserosal Fibroid Diagnosis

Subserosal fibroids can be diagnosed using medical imaging tests, such as an ultrasound. Ultrasounds are excellent for revealing the location, size, and type of fibroids. In some cases, additional tests like MRI might be needed to confirm the exact type of fibroid.

If you think you have subserosal fibroids, book a consultation with a specialist at USA Fibroid Centers. Our doctors are experts in diagnosing and treating all types of uterine fibroids, including subserosal growths. They can diagnose your symptoms in our office, and if you need treatment, we offer uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), a minimally invasive treatment that can help you relieve your symptoms. 

Schedule a consultation with one of our fibroid specialists. We have more than 40 locations nationwide.

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Other Types of Fibroids

Subserosal uterine fibroids are just one type of fibroid that may cause symptoms. During an exam, your fibroid doctor may find other types of fibroids, such as:

These types are also divided into groups, such as exophytic fibroids. Exophytic fibroids grow outside the uterus and include subserosal fibroids, submucosal fibroids, and pedunculated fibroids. 

Intramural fibroids and calcified fibroids aren’t considered exophytic since they embed themselves in the uterine cavity, and calcified fibroids aren’t location-specific. 

Subserosal Fibroid Treatment

If you have subserosal uterine fibroids on your uterus large enough to cause symptoms, your doctor will likely recommend treatment. 

The most common treatments for subserosal fibroids are a hysterectomy, myomectomy, and UFE. 

  • Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus.
  • Myomectomy involves removing the fibroids surgically.
  • UFE is a minimally invasive procedure that stops fibroids’ blood supply.

At USA Fibroid Centers, our dedicated physicians specialize in treating fibroids using uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolization (UAE).

Schedule A Consultation With Our Fibroid Doctors

The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ACOG) recognizes UFE as a safe and efficient treatment for women wanting to relieve their fibroid symptoms without surgery. As an outpatient procedure, UFE allows for treatment at our clinic with the convenience of returning home the same day. Most patients can resume their normal activities within one to two weeks post-procedure.

Our team of fibroid specialists is dedicated to providing top-quality care through UFE,  offering an alternative to surgical intervention such as hysterectomy or myomectomy.

Get Relief from Subserosal Fibroid Symptoms at USA Fibroid Centers

Living with subserosal fibroids can be difficult, but there is hope. At USA Fibroid Centers, we understand the impact these growths can have on your daily life. That’s why we are dedicated to offering non-surgical fibroid treatment that can help women find relief.

Schedule a consultation to see one of our specialists today. Call 855.615.2555 or book online.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions about Subserosal Uterine Fibroids

ARE SUBSEROSAL FIBROIDS CANCEROUS?

Subserosal fibroids are like other uterine fibroids in one aspect — they are almost always benign. They don’t increase the risk of developing uterine cancer and rarely turn into cancer.

IS A SUBSEROSAL FIBROID DANGEROUS?

Subserosal fibroids aren’t dangerous, but they can cause severe discomfort and impact nearby organs, such as the bladder and bowels. This type of fibroid can lead to abdominal cramping, pain in the lower back and legs, and pain during sex.

As they press on other organs, they can also lead to constipation and frequent urination. In addition, subserosal uterine fibroids can cause severe pain if they are pedunculated (growing on a stalk) and the stalk becomes twisted.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN A FIBROID IS SUBSEROSAL?

A subserosal fibroid is located beneath the soft outer lining of the uterus called the serosa. Unlike other types of fibroids, subserosal growths are always outside the uterine cavity, so they’re more likely to impact other organs rather than cause symptoms related to the menstrual cycle, such as heavy bleeding and severe cramping.

They can, however, be painful. They can also cause bloating, constipation, frequent urination, and pain during sex. 

DO SUBSEROSAL FIBROIDS NEED TO BE REMOVED?

If a subserosal uterine fibroid is causing symptoms impacting your quality of life, it should be removed. You should discuss your symptoms with a fibroid doctor to help determine if treatment is necessary. 

HOW SERIOUS IS A SUBSEROSAL FIBROID?

Subserosal fibroids are a common women’s health issue, and it’s not usually very serious. In most cases, subserosal fibroids are noncancerous. While larger fibroids can cause painful symptoms impacting daily life, they are not life-threatening and are treatable. 

HOW DO YOU TREAT SUBSEROSAL FIBROIDS WITHOUT SURGERY?

We use UFE as a non-surgical treatment for subserosal fibroids.

There’s no need for a hospital stay or stitches.  A catheter is placed in the wrist or groin, and microparticles are inserted into your uterine artery, shrinking the fibroids. After UFE, you’ll leave our clinic with nothing more than a Band-Aid.

Sources

  1. Fibroids. (n.d.). John Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org

Don’t Suffer Another Day

Life with fibroids can be painful and challenging. Timely detection and treatment of fibroids can relieve symptoms, as well as reduce your risk for hysterectomy.

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