A serosal or subserosal fibroid lies on the outer part of the uterus, just under the covering of the outside of the uterus, which is called the serosa. Subserosal fibroids may also grow on a stalk and be called pedunculated. Abnormal bleeding is usually caused by submucosal or intramural fibroids. Intramural and subserosal fibroids are the usual cause of pelvic pain, back pain, and the generalized pressure that many patients experience. All women are at risk of getting fibroids.
Uterine fibroids are the most common tumors of the female genital tract.
The presence of fibroids is the most common reason for a woman to have a hysterectomy in this country, totaling approximately 175,000 each year. In addition, many patients suffer symptoms from fibroids but never undergo a hysterectomy. African-Americans are as much as 3.2 times as likely to develop fibroids as Caucasians. There is some variation among other racial groups. The reason for this increased risk is not known, although genetic variability is presumed to be a significant factor.