Uterine fibroids are composed of uterine smooth muscle and connective tissue, so they are also called uterine leiomyomas. They are the most common benign gynecological tumors.

According to the growth location of the fibroids, they are divided into uterine body fibroids and cervical fibroids. According to the relationship between the fibroids and the uterine muscle wall, they are divided into intramural fibroids, subserous fibroids, and submucosal fibroids.

Most fibroids are asymptomatic and are only discovered during physical examinations. The clinical manifestations of uterine fibroids are related to the location, size, and presence of degeneration of the fibroids. Fibroid degeneration means that the fibroids lose their original typical structure. Common types include hyaline degeneration, cystic degeneration, red degeneration, sarcomatous change, and calcification. Sarcomatous change is a malignant lesion.

The most common clinical manifestations of uterine fibroids are as follows: 1. Increased menstrual flow and prolonged menstrual periods, which are more common in large intramural fibroids and submucosal fibroids. 2. When submucosal fibroids are accompanied by necrosis and infection, there may be irregular vaginal bleeding or bloody purulent discharge, which can lead to secondary anemia and infection. 3. An enlarged fibroid on the anterior wall can compress the bladder and cause frequent urination, while one on the posterior wall can cause constipation and other symptoms. 4. Broad ligament fibroids or cervical fibroids may cause ureteral dilatation and even hydronephrosis. 5. Other symptoms include acute lower abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting and fever during red degeneration of fibroids. Torsion of the pedicle of a subserous fibroid can cause acute abdominal pain. The expulsion of a submucosal uterine fibroid from the uterine cavity can also cause abdominal pain. 6. Submucosal fibroids and intramural fibroids can cause infertility or miscarriage.