What do intramural, subserosal, submucosal, fundal and pedunculated fibroids mean on my scan report?
Medically reviewed by our consultant obstetrician & gynaecologist (MBBS, MS OBG). Last reviewed: 29 October 2026.
What do the words on my fibroid scan report mean? They describe where the fibroid sits in the womb. Submucosal fibroids bulge into the inner cavity, intramural ones sit within the muscle wall, and subserosal ones grow on the outer surface. The position largely decides the symptoms and, if treatment is ever needed, the route to reach it.
Why does my report describe the position of a fibroid?
An ultrasound report on a fibroid can read like a puzzle. Words such as intramural, subserosal, fundal and posterior wall appear, often with a row of numbers. It is easy to feel anxious before anyone has explained them.
Here is the reassuring part. Most of these words are simply directions. They tell your doctor where the fibroid is, in the same way an address tells you where a house is. A fibroid is a firm growth of the womb's own muscle, and it is almost always benign. Its position matters because it shapes what the fibroid can and cannot do. For the bigger picture, read our guide on fibroids of the uterus.
Doctors often use a numbered scale, the FIGO system, that runs from type 0 to type 8. In plain words: the low numbers (0 to 2) sit in or towards the cavity, the middle numbers (3 to 5) sit mostly in the wall, and 6 and 7 sit towards or on the outer surface. Type 8 covers unusual places, such as the cervix. Some reports use two numbers joined by a dash, such as type 2-5. This is a "hybrid" fibroid that stretches across the wall, touching both the lining and the outer surface. You do not need to remember the numbers. The descriptions below cover the same ground.
What is a submucosal fibroid?
Where it sits: just under the lining, bulging into the inner cavity of the womb where a pregnancy grows.
Usual symptoms: heavy or prolonged periods and spotting between periods, even when the fibroid is quite small.
Pregnancy: because it changes the shape of the cavity, this is the type most likely to matter when you are trying to conceive.
What is an intramural fibroid?
Where it sits: inside the muscle wall of the womb. This is the most common type.
Usual symptoms: often none when small. A larger one can make periods heavier, cause a feeling of fullness, or press on the bladder so you pass urine more often.
Pregnancy: it depends on size and on how close it lies to the cavity. Many cause no difficulty at all.
What is a subserosal fibroid?
Where it sits: on the outer surface of the womb, growing outwards into the tummy.
Usual symptoms: it rarely changes the periods. If it grows large, it may cause pressure on the bladder or bowel, backache, or a swelling you can feel.
Pregnancy: it usually does not affect conception, because it sits away from the cavity.
What does a pedunculated fibroid mean?
Where it sits: hanging from the womb on a narrow stalk, either outside the womb or into the cavity.
Usual symptoms: often none. Rarely, the stalk can twist and cause sudden, severe pain. That needs same-day medical care. A stalked fibroid inside the cavity can sometimes slip down through the cervix. This is called a fibroid polyp or prolapsed fibroid, and it can cause bleeding or a discharge.
Pregnancy: one inside the cavity behaves like a submucosal fibroid; one outside usually does not affect conception.
What do fundal, anterior and posterior wall mean?
These words describe which part of the womb the fibroid is in, not what kind it is.
- Fundal: in the fundus, the top dome of the womb. A fundal fibroid can still be submucosal, intramural or subserosal.
- Anterior wall: the front wall, closer to the bladder. Larger ones here may make you pass urine more often.
- Posterior wall: the back wall, closer to the bowel and spine. Larger ones here may cause backache or constipation.
- Cervical: in the neck of the womb. This is less common and can need special planning.
So a line such as "4 cm posterior wall intramural fibroid" simply means a fibroid about four centimetres across, within the muscle of the back wall.
What do the size numbers on the report mean?
Most reports give three measurements in centimetres, such as 3.2 x 2.8 x 3.0 cm. These are the length, width and depth of the fibroid. Some reports add a volume in cubic centimetres (cc), worked out from those three figures. Larger reports may also list each fibroid separately, numbered one, two and so on.
A number on its own does not decide anything. A small fibroid in the cavity can matter more than a larger one on the outside. Size is weighed together with position, symptoms and your plans, which is explained in our guide on whether fibroids need surgery. Small differences between two scans are often just differences in measurement, so bring your older reports along.
Which route reaches which type of fibroid?
Many fibroids never need a procedure. Medicines can ease symptoms for some women, and in selected women a procedure such as uterine artery embolisation, which shrinks the fibroid through a blood vessel, may also be discussed. When surgery is needed, its position guides the route. This is a general guide only; your own plan is made after an examination and a scan.
| Fibroid type | Route usually considered |
|---|---|
| Submucosal (in the cavity) | Most small submucosal fibroids: hysteroscopy, through the natural passage, with no cut on the tummy. Larger ones, or ones lying deep in the wall, may need staged or keyhole surgery. |
| Intramural (in the wall) | Laparoscopic (keyhole) myomectomy, or sometimes open surgery if very large or numerous |
| Subserosal or pedunculated outside | Laparoscopic (keyhole) myomectomy |
| Cervical | Planned individually |
A myomectomy removes the fibroid and keeps the womb. Whether any procedure is right for you depends on your own symptoms and goals. Your doctor will explain how the chosen route works before any decision is made.
When should a fibroid report be reviewed soon?
Most fibroid reports can wait for a calm, planned visit. Please seek care the same day if you have very heavy bleeding with dizziness or breathlessness, sudden severe pain in the lower tummy, pain with fever, or sudden pain during pregnancy. Please also have it reviewed soon if a fibroid grows quickly between scans, or if a fibroid is new or growing after menopause. Otherwise, book a routine review if your periods have become heavier, you feel pressure or a swelling, or you are planning a pregnancy.
Where can I have my report explained?
This guide is by the Pai Hospital Team. Our doctors can go through your scan report with you line by line. Any surgery is done at Pai Hospital in Vasco, which has its own operating theatre. Consultations are also available at our consultation points in Panjim, Margao and Mapusa. Patient transport at zero cost to the patient is available from across Goa and nearby areas.
For questions, message us on WhatsApp at +91 77989 73345 and attach your scan report. Consultations are by appointment; to book one, call +91 77989 73345, or +91 95459 20817, or +91 75582 52088. This article is for education only and is not personal medical advice; please speak to your doctor about your own report.
What else do women ask about fibroid types?
Is a fundal fibroid serious?
Usually not. Fundal simply means the fibroid sits in the top, dome-shaped part of the womb. Like other fibroids it is almost always benign. Whether it matters depends on its size, whether it bulges into the cavity, and whether it is causing symptoms.
Is an intramural fibroid dangerous?
In most women, no. An intramural fibroid grows inside the muscle wall and is very common. Small ones often cause nothing at all. A larger one can make periods heavier or press on nearby organs, and then it is worth a proper review with your doctor.
Does a subserosal fibroid need removal?
Not always. A subserosal fibroid grows on the outer surface of the womb, so it rarely affects the periods or the cavity. Many are simply watched. Removal is discussed when it grows large, causes pressure or pain, or twists on a stalk.
What does a 3 cm intramural fibroid mean?
It means a fibroid about three centimetres across, sitting within the muscle wall. On its own, that number is not a reason for alarm or for an operation. What it means for you depends on your symptoms, how close it is to the cavity and your plans for a family.
What is a pedunculated fibroid?
A pedunculated fibroid hangs from the womb on a thin stalk, either on the outside or into the cavity. Most cause no trouble. Rarely, the stalk can twist and cause sudden pain, which needs prompt medical attention.
Can my scan report change from one fibroid type to another?
The type describes where the fibroid sits, so it does not usually change. A growing fibroid can, however, start to bulge more towards the cavity or the outer surface. That is why repeat scans are best compared side by side, ideally on the same kind of machine.
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This page is for general education and is not personal medical advice. Treatment depends on your own examination and reports, so please speak to a doctor about your situation. We do not carry out or offer sex determination of any kind.