Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 3, 2026
04:19
Robotic Enucleation of Esophageal Leiomyoma
Published on: February 20, 2026
Leiomyosarcoma diagnosed six years after laparoscopic electromyolysis
George A Vilos1, Jackie Hollett-Caines1, Basim Abu-Rafea1
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Western Ontario, London ON.
Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Canada : JOGC = Journal D'Obstetrique Et Gynecologie Du Canada : JOGC
|July 10, 2008
Summary
Uterine leiomyosarcoma is rare, with no reliable preoperative diagnostic tools. Uterus-sparing fibroid treatments carry a small risk of malignancy, potentially delaying diagnosis and impacting survival.
Area of Science:
- Gynecologic Oncology
- Surgical Pathology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Uterine leiomyosarcoma diagnosis is challenging preoperatively.
- Histologic confirmation is typically post-hysterectomy for presumed benign fibroids.
- Uterus-sparing treatments for fibroids are increasingly common.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old woman with a large uterine fibroid underwent laparoscopic myolysis.
- Six years later, she developed symptoms and a rapidly enlarging uterus, diagnosed as leiomyosarcoma post-hysterectomy.
- Metastatic leiomyosarcoma to the lungs was diagnosed and treated via thoracoscopic excision.
Findings:
- Leiomyosarcoma can present years after initial fibroid treatment.
- Metastasis to the lungs occurred despite initial uterine-confined diagnosis.
- The patient remained asymptomatic for two years post-lung metastasis excision.
Implications:
- Patients considering uterus-sparing fibroid treatments should be informed of the <0.5% risk of uterine malignancy.
- Delayed diagnosis of uterine malignancy can compromise long-term survival.
- Multidisciplinary management is crucial for rare uterine sarcomas and their metastases.