Many people don't know which is more serious between uterine fibroids and uterine sarcoma, or what the difference is. These two diseases, one is a benign tumor, the other is a malignant tumor. A difference of one word can lead to very different outcomes. Below, experts from Xi'an Cai'ai Gynecology Hospital will provide a detailed explanation of the differences between the two.
Uterine Sarcoma:
This is a rare and highly malignant tumor of the female reproductive system. Uterine sarcoma accounts for 2% of malignant uterine tumors, with an average onset age around 50 years old. Clinical manifestations mainly include abnormal vaginal bleeding (postmenopausal vaginal bleeding or menstrual irregularities), abdominal mass (rapidly enlarging mass; if the sarcoma grows into the vagina, there may be a sensation of a lump protruding in the vagina. The uterus often enlarges, has an irregular shape, feels firm but slightly soft), abdominal pain (due to rapid growth of the myoma causing distension or dull pain in the abdomen), increased vaginal discharge (serous, bloody, or white; when combined with infection, it may be purulent and foul-smelling), etc. In late stages, patients may experience weight loss, anemia, fever, general exhaustion, pelvic masses infiltrating the pelvic wall, fixed and unable to move.
For women at menopause or pre-menopause or young girls experiencing irregular vaginal bleeding accompanied by an enlarged uterus, this disease should be highly suspected, and further corresponding examinations should be conducted, especially for those who have previously received radiotherapy, they should be more vigilant.
Uterine Fibroids:
This is the most common benign tumor of the female reproductive system, and also one of the most common tumors in the human body, with a higher incidence rate among women aged 30-50. Uterine fibroids are primarily formed due to the proliferation of uterine smooth muscle cells. There is a small amount of connective tissue fibers present as supportive tissues. Its exact name should be uterine leiomyoma, commonly known as uterine fibroids. Since its occurrence is related to female hormones (estrogen and progesterone), it is considered a sex hormone-dependent tumor. Uterine fibroids essentially put a full stop on the uterus.
Patients with uterine fibroids usually do not show obvious symptoms and are only incidentally discovered during gynecological examinations or surgeries. Major symptoms may include changes in menstruation (increased menstrual flow, shortened cycles or prolonged periods, etc., or irregular bleeding), pain (usually none, but acute abdominal pain may occur when the fibroid undergoes red degeneration or pedunculated fibroids twist, or submucosal fibroids cause spasmodic contractions of the uterus), compression symptoms (compression of the bladder leading to frequent urination, urinary obstruction, urinary retention, etc.; ectopic pregnancy. Compression of the ureter can lead to hydronephrosis. Posterior uterine wall fibroids can press on the rectum, causing difficulty defecating), increased vaginal discharge, infertility, anemia (long-term heavy menstruation can lead to secondary anemia), etc.
Xi'an Cai'ai Gynecology Hospital Warm Reminder: The above content provides a specific introduction about uterine fibroids. It is suggested that if women have any related questions, they can click on online consultation at any time to contact the expert. Based on their own actual situation, let the expert give you the most appropriate answer according to your circumstances.
This article is reprinted from Xi'an Cai'ai Gynecology Hospital: http://www.xaciai.com/fuke/zigongjibing/zigongjiliu/2011/0609/5174.html