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I went to a fertility center to have artificial insemination. I had several ultrasounds and a hysterosalpingogram, which appeared to be normal. A couple of weeks later, after my menstrual period, I had another ultrasound. They found what appeared to be a 3.2 cm "regenerating" fibroid on the outer portion of my uterus. What is a "regenerating fibroid" and can they be cancerous?
William M. Rich, MD (Febuary 6, 2006):
The "regenerating fibroid" should have appeared on the previous sonograms. They usually do not grow that fast. A repeat sonogram may be indicated.
A "degenerating fibroid" is not unusual. A fibroid is a benign tumor of the smooth muscle of the uterus. They can degenerate and sort of melt into a cystic tumor or they can also lose their blood supply and infarct. When that happens it usually causes pain. Fibroids are not cancers, but there are cancers that also occur in the smooth muscle of the uterus. They are called lieomyosarcomas.
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What is a regenerating fibroid and can they be cancerous?