Sarcomas of uterine cervix: clinicopathological features, treatment, and outcome

Sarcomas constitute less than 1% of all cervical malignancies. The objective of this study was to determine the presentation, pathological findings, treatment, and outcome of patients with cervical sarcoma.

A retrospective analysis of 8 cases of cervical sarcoma diagnosed over a 4-year period from 2006 to 2009 was carried out. The medical records of all patients were reviewed. All pathologic specimens were reviewed by a single pathologist.

Of 1804 patients with cervical malignancies, 8 cervical sarcomas were identified. All patients presented with vaginal bleeding and discharge. The lesions were clinically staged as IB2 (3), II B (1) and IIIB (4). Three patients had leiomyosarcoma, 4 patients had a diagnosis of undifferentiated endocervical sarcoma, and one had embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma. Of the 8 patients, 3 absconded after diagnosis. Primary surgery was done in 3 patients of which 2 patients received adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy and one patient absconded after surgery. Primary radiotherapy was given in 2 patients. Three of 8 patients treated with combined modality treatment remain alive and disease free at the last follow-up.

Cervical sarcomas are rare neoplasms and represent a spectrum on histopathology. Most patients present with vaginal bleeding and a bulky cervical mass at the time of diagnosis. The optimal management of these tumors is uncertain owing to its rarity; however, combined modality treatment can result in prolonged survival and cure.