Are there other ways of classifying uterine fibroids based on their sonographic presentations apart from the location based convention (Intramural, Subserosal, Submucosal, Pedunculated)? Thanks
There are no other unified ways of classifying uterine fibroids except by anatomical location and configuration (in case of pedunculated type) but sonographers sometimes use a variety of terms to describe the nature of fibroids. For instace one could describe a fibroid as degenerating, calcified, huge, small etc.
In addition to the contribution by the distinguished researcher above, I would like to add that the uterine segment the myoma is located is needful. For example posterior, mid-segment; anterior lower-segment; fundal, etc.
The most important thing in my understanding, is for the physician to know the location, the size and the physiological state of the fibroid. If the traditional classification can resolve that, so be it.
The most common classification of uterine fibroids is the FIGO classification system, (Munro MG, Critchley HOD, Fraser IS; FIGO Menstrual Disorders Committee. The two FIGO systems for normal and abnormal uterine bleeding symptoms and classification of causes of abnormal uterine bleeding in the reproductive years: 2018 revisions. Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2018 Dec;143(3):393-408. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.12666)
This classification adopted the popular Wamsteker/ ESH classification of submucosal myomas (FIGO Typ 0-2) and extended it to intramural, subserosal and other myomas (Types 3-8).
In short, type 0 – pedunculated intra-cavitary, type 1 and 2: submucous myomas with < 50% and > 50% intramural involvement, respectively.
Type 3 momas are intramural myomas with contact to endometrium, type 4 - intramural-only myomas, type 5 and 6 - subserous myomas with different intramural involvement (> 50% and < 50%, respectively); Type 7 are pedunculated subserous myomas, and type 8 are “ectopic” or “other” myomas, e.g. cervical or parasitic myomas.
The most recent (2018) version of this classification is freely accessibly under:
An interesting approach (“fibroid score”) in relation to the subsequent uterus reconstruction (reconstruction level 1-4) was proposed by Juhasz-Böss et al. (Two novel classification systems for uterine fibroids and subsequent uterine reconstruction after myomectomy. Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2017;295(3):675-680. doi: 10.1007/s00404-016-4268-6)
Uteromap is a standardized technique of measurement uterine conditions. By using it we have a table of data (about uterus and uterine lesions, as well), that can be used to reconstruct the situation, planing surgery, data collection for researches, etc. Paper about it (first in Hungarian) has been accepted for publication.