Pedunculated Fibroid: Symptoms, Pregnancy, Treatment

There are four main types of fibroids: intramural fibroids, subserosal fibroids, submucosal fibroids, and pedunculated fibroids [1]. It’s important to understand that most women with uterine fibroids have more than one type of fibroid, which in turn can affect symptoms and treatment options.

Pedunculated fibroids grow on small stalks on the inside of the uterus (intracavitary) or outside of the uterus (subserosal). In this brief review, the fibroid specialists at ProFibroidMD explain pedunculated fibroid symptoms, how pedunculated fibroids can affect pregnancy, and what treatment options are available to women with pedunculated fibroids. Read on to learn more.

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Pedunculated Fibroid Anatomy
Pedunculated Fibroids and Pregnancy
Pedunculated Fibroid Treatment
Pedunculated Fibroid Removal

Fibroid Specialist Dr. Lalezarian provides pedunculated fibroid treatment for patients in Los Angeles, California

Pedunculated Fibroid Relief in Los Angeles

ProFibroidMD is a leading provider of uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), the least invasive treatment option for pedunculated uterine fibroid symptom relief. Our Fibroid Specialists have helped countless women overcome their fibroids and get back to their happy, healthy selves.

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“Absolutely awesome service from everyone I encountered! I had been suffering from severe pain from Fibroid issues, I had been offered hysterectomy from other doctors. I just wasn’t comfortable taking that route. I had my UFE at this location in April 2021 and I couldn’t be happier. My symptoms have dramatically decreased and I am ecstatic about my results! This procedure REALLY changed my quality of life and I am forever indebted.”

Dawn S, October 2021

Pedunculated Fibroid Anatomy

Fibroid location is generally described relative to the three main layers of the uterus: the inner lining of the uterine cavity called the endometrium, the smooth muscle of the uterine wall called the myometrium, and the outer surface of the uterus known as the serous membrane. Pedunculated fibroids grow on small stalks on the inside of the uterus (intracavitary) or outside of the uterus (subserosal). According to the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) classification system, there are two types of pedunculated fibroids:

Fibroid Type 0: Pedunculated, intracavitary
Fibroid Type 7: Subserosal, pedunculated

Diagram of pedunculated fibroid within uterus

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Pedunculated Fibroid Symptoms

Most cases of uterine fibroids do not cause noticeable symptoms. However, women that do experience pedunculated fibroid symptoms will generally experience heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding in between periods, and/or pelvic pain and cramping. Pedunculated fibroids can also cause intense episodes of pain when the fibroid twists on its stalk [4].

Pedunculated Fibroids and Pregnancy

Many women with uterine fibroids are able to become pregnant without a problem. However, certain types of fibroids, including pedunculated fibroids can crowd the uterine cavity or distort the endometrium, causing complications. Some studies show that the risk of developing complications during pregnancy increases if a woman has uterine fibroids over 3 cm in diameter. In general, complications such as miscarriage, c-section, preterm labor and postpartum hemorrhage can occur in approximately 10 to 40% of pregnancies when fibroids are present [10, 11].

Pedunculated Fibroid Treatment

Treatments for pedunculated uterine fibroids vary from conservative medical therapy, to minimally invasive interventions, to surgical removal of the entire uterus. The optimal treatment for your pedunculated fibroid will depend on your desire to preserve fertility, your age, any other existing medical issues, ability to take time off for recovery, as well as other factors. Some therapies treat symptoms while others eliminate the fibroids completely. Some treatment options, while less invasive, may require subsequent treatment or re-intervention. These are all factors to consider when deciding which pedunculated fibroid treatment option is best for you, and some treatment options are only viable for certain types of fibroids.

Woman with pedunculated uterine fibroids holding her stomach

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Medications

The most conservative treatment option for uterine fibroids is medical therapy. Medicine can be effective if symptoms are mild, if a woman is in perimenopause (so treatment is only needed in the short term), or if pre-operative intervention to reduce the size of the fibroids would make a surgery less technically challenging [7, 8]. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hormones (estroprogestins or progestogens), and oral contraceptives can help with symptomatic bleeding and fibroid pain. Gn-RH analogues and selective progesterone receptor modulators (sPRMs) like ulipristal acetate (UPA) help treat bulk symptoms such as pelvic pressure, pelvic pain, and frequent urination [9]. Medical treatments are only used for the short-term due to the significant health risks associated with long-term use of these medicines [7].

Uterine Fibroid Embolization

Uterine fibroid embolization (UFE), also known as uterine artery embolization, is a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist or vascular specialist. During the procedure, small spherical beads are injected into the blood vessels that supply the fibroids with oxygen and other nutrients. The beads occlude the blood vessels, essentially starving the fibroids and causing them to shrink. UFE is an outpatient procedure with a recovery time around 1 to 2 weeks.

Uterine fibroid embolization is a viable treatment option for pedunculated fibroids, however pedunculated fibroids with a narrow stem (diameter less than 50% of the diameter of the largest fibroid) are considered to be relative contraindications for UFE because these fibroids may detach into the peritoneal or uterine cavities and cause infection [14].

Myolysis

Myolysis is also called fibroid ablation. It uses a concentrated energy source such as ultrasound, radiofrequency, or laser to cause fibroid tissue destruction. MRI or ultrasound imaging help guide where the energy source should be directed. Myolysis decreases menstrual bleeding and uterine fibroid size [7]. However, it can only treat one fibroid at a time, and large fibroids greater than 8 cm in diameter may not respond well [9]. In addition, myolysis targets the central portion of the fibroids even though studies have shown that fibroids tend to grow from their peripheries [9].

Myolysis does impact future fertility and pregnancies. As fibroid tissue is destroyed with myolysis, scar tissue can form in the endometrium. While some women may achieve successful pregnancies, there could be potential complications. Myolysis is not always a definitive treatment. Surgical intervention may be required down the line [7].

Myomectomy

Myomectomy is a surgery that involves selectively removing uterine fibroids while keeping the uterus intact. It is considered a major surgery that may require a blood transfusion and a 1 to 3 day hospital stay. Blood loss and operative time are greater for myomectomy than hysterectomy [9]. The recovery time for myomectomy can be quite long, ranging from 2 to 6 weeks.

Myomectomy isn’t without its shortcomings, and isn’t always ideal for women with multiple large fibroids. Failure rates range from 14.5% to 30% at 3 to 4 years’ follow-up [9]. Between 10 and 25 percent of women will require a second fibroid surgery [10]. Still, many women choose myomectomy in order to preserve their uterus for future pregnancies. Most women who have myomectomy are able to have children afterwards.

Hysterectomy

A hysterectomy is a surgery where the entire uterus or parts of it are removed along with any fibroids. Hysterectomy can be performed through the vagina, abdomen or laparoscopically. Like myomectomy, hysterectomy is a major surgery requiring a 2 to 5 day overnight stay in the hospital and a long recovery time of 2 to 6 weeks [8].

Hysterectomy is the most definitive treatment available for uterine fibroids, particularly for women who have no desire to conceive [7]. It can be very effective for patients with extremely large fibroids or a large quantity of fibroids. However, after hysterectomy, once the uterus or parts of it are removed, pregnancy is no longer possible.

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Pedunculated Fibroid Removal

If you’re struggling with your pedunculated fibroids, or are unsure of how to best treat them, get in touch with us at ProFibroidMD. We’ve helped thousands of women in Southern California find relief from their fibroids, and we may be able to help you.

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Woman discussing surgical vs. non-surgical fibroid treatment options with Fibroid Specialist

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Fibroid Treatments: Which Is Best?

When it comes to fibroid treatment, we believe that less is more. A less invasive procedure means less trauma, less risk, and shorter recovery time. Learn more about why we opt for UFE, the least invasive treatment for uterine fibroids.

Uterine Artery Embolization

Uterine artery embolization is a minimally-invasive procedure that we offer at ProFibroidMD to relieve heavy bleeding, pain, and other symptoms in patients with uterine fibroids. Learn more about our specialty procedure.

Fibroid Specialist in Los Angeles

Learn more about Los Angeles Fibroid Specialist Dr. Michael Lalezarian.

References

[1] Stewart, E. A. (2001). Uterine fibroids. The Lancet, 357(9252), 293–298.
[2] Guo XC, Segars JH. The impact and management of fibroids for fertility: an evidence-based approach. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2012 Dec;39(4):521-33. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2012.09.005. PMID: 23182558; PMCID: PMC3608270.
[3] Simms-Stewart D, Fletcher H. Counselling patients with uterine fibroids: a review of the management and complications. Obstet Gynecol Int. 2012;2012:539365. doi: 10.1155/2012/539365. Epub 2012 Jan 9. PMID: 22272207; PMCID: PMC3261489.
[4] Lippman, Sheri & Warner, Marcella & Samuels, Steven & Olive, David & Vercellini, Paolo & Eskenazi, Brenda. (2004). Uterine fibroids and gynecologic pain symptoms in a population-based study. Fertility and sterility. 80. 1488-94. 10.1016/S0015-0282(03)02207-6.
[5] Ouyang DW, Economy KE, Norwitz ER. Obstetric complications of fibroids. Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2006; 33:153–69. [PubMed: 16504813]
[6] Exacoustòs C, Rosati P. Ultrasound Diagnosis of Uterine Myomas and Complications in Pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol. 1993; 82:97–101. [PubMed: 8515934]
[7] Mas A, Tarazona M, Dasí Carrasco J, Estaca G, Cristóbal I, Monleón J. Updated approaches for management of uterine fibroids. Int J Womens Health. 2017 Sep 5;9:607-617. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S138982. PMID: 28919823; PMCID: PMC5592915.
[8] Khan AT, Shehmar M, Gupta JK. Uterine fibroids: current perspectives. Int J Womens Health. 2014 Jan 29;6:95-114. doi: 10.2147/IJWH.S51083. PMID: 24511243; PMCID: PMC3914832.
[9] Vilos GA, Allaire C, Laberge PY, Leyland N; SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS. The management of uterine leiomyomas. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2015 Feb;37(2):157-178. doi: 10.1016/S1701-2163(15)30338-8. PMID: 25767949.
[10] Stewart, E.A., Laughlin-Tommaso, S.K. Patient education: Uterine fibroids (Beyond the Basics). UpToDate. Accessed February 2021.
[11] Singh SS, Belland L. Contemporary management of uterine fibroids: focus on emerging medical treatments. Curr Med Res Opin. 2015;31(1):1-12.
[12] Davis MR, Soliman AM, Castelli-haley J, Snabes MC, Surrey ES. Reintervention Rates After Myomectomy, Endometrial Ablation, and Uterine Artery Embolization for Patients with Uterine Fibroids. J Womens Health (Larchmt). 2018;27(10):1204-1214.
[13] Munro MG. Endometrial ablation: where have we been? Where are we going?. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2006;49(4):736-66.
[14] van der Kooij S.M., Hehenkamp W. Uterine fibroids (leiomyomas): Treatment with uterine artery. UpToDate. Accessed February 2021.