Connective tissue changes and mast cell variations in benign and malignant lesions of the uterine cervix.

We have studied mast cell variations and stromal changes in 100 benign and 100 malignant lesions of the uterine cervix. Mast cells were found in close proximity to the cervical glands or young proliferating fibroblasts. Comparison of mast cell densities in benign and malignant conditions revealed an increase in inflammatory processes, while in cancers there is diminution in number or total absence of mast cells. There is no conclusive correlation between the age of the patients and the density of these cells. An inverse relationship existed between the mast cell population and degree of anaplasia as well as of mitotic figures.