What are the secondary degenerations of uterine fibroids?

Uterine fibroids are common in daily life and are the most common benign tumors of the female genitalia. If uterine fibroids grow too fast and have poor blood supply, different degenerations may occur. The larger the fibroids are and the more severe the ischemia is, the more likely it is to undergo secondary degeneration, mainly including benign and malignant changes.

1. Benign transformation of uterine fibroids

Hyalinization: also known as hyaline degeneration, refers to the rapid growth of uterine fibroids, relatively insufficient blood supply, which causes some tissues to swell and soften, and the vortex-like structure disappears and is replaced by a uniform transparent substance.

Cystic degeneration: hyaline degeneration can further develop into cystic degeneration. On the basis of hyaline deformation, insufficient blood supply occurs, and the tissue in the deformed area liquefies, forming a cystic cavity containing jelly-like or transparent liquid. The entire tumor is soft like a cyst.

Necrosis: Uterine fibroids may undergo necrosis due to pedicle torsion or severe infection. The tissue becomes grayish yellow, soft and brittle, and small cavities may form.

In addition to the above situations, benign changes of uterine fibroids also include fatty degeneration, red degeneration, infection, etc.

2. Malignant transformation of uterine fibroids

Sarcoma degeneration: Its pathogenesis is still unclear. About 0.5% to 1% of uterine fibroids transform into sarcomas. This is more common in older women with larger and faster-growing fibroids, especially those with postmenopausal women whose fibroids grow too fast or reappear after desperate circumstances. The tissue in the degenerated area is grayish yellow and soft like raw fish meat.