Classification of benign degeneration of uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyoma, are the most common benign tumors of the female reproductive organs. 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 secondary degeneration will occur. Among them, benign degeneration mainly includes the following aspects:

1. Hyalinization

Also known as hyaline degeneration, it is mainly caused by the rapid growth of uterine fibroids, resulting in relative blood supply deficiency, edema and softening of some tissues, disappearance of the vortex structure, and replacement by a uniform transparent substance.

2. Cystic degeneration

Hyaline degeneration can further develop into cystic degeneration, which refers to the occurrence of insufficient blood supply on the basis of hyaline deformation, leading to liquefaction of tissue in the deformed area, forming a cystic cavity containing jelly-like or transparent liquid, and the entire tumor is as soft as a cyst.

3. Fatty degeneration

It often occurs in the late stage of hyaline deformation or after necrosis. It may also be the result of mesenchymal metaplasia of the tumor to form adipose tissue, which is soft and easily diagnosed as sarcoma.

4. Red degeneration

It is a special type of fibroid necrosis that often occurs during pregnancy or the postpartum period. It may be related to local tissue ischemia, infarction, congestion and other reasons. The fibroid appears red to the naked eye, like raw beef, and has completely lost its original spiral structure.

5. Necrosis

Uterine fibroids may become necrotic due to pedicle torsion or severe infection. The tissue becomes grayish yellow, soft and brittle, and small cavities may form.

6. Infection

The blood supply of the fibroid is blocked, and necrosis may cause secondary infection, which is more common in patients with submucosal fibroids protruding into the vagina. In a few cases, it may be caused by pelvic infection.