Postradiation carcinosarcoma of the corpus uteri--a case report

Radiation therapy is a very effective treatment modality, commonly used for numerous gynecological malignancies, e.g. cervical cancer. Unfortunately, ionizing radiation is associated with numerous side effects, including secondary cancer formation. A case of carcinosarcoma of the corpus uteri in a woman with a history of pelvic irradiation for cervical carcinoma is reported. The literature has been reviewed to present the incidence, optimal management, and prognosis in cases of postradiation uterine carcinosarcoma.

A 55-year-old woman with a history of pelvic radiotherapy for cervical cancer five years earlier was diagnosed with a pelvic mass. Endovaginal ultrasound examination revealed a solid and cystic tumor, 12.5 cm in diameter. The patient was scheduled for surgery. Gross examination revealed an enlarged, plain corpus uteri, 12 cm in diameter. Both adnexa were normal. Pelvic and abdominal peritoneum were macroscopically normal and normal on palpation. Iliac and obturatory lymph nodes were enlarged on both sides. Radical hysterectomy, omentectomy, and ilio-obturator lymph node dissection were performed. The pathology report revealed carcinosarcoma of the corpus uteri with lymph nodes metastases--FIGO IIIC1. No adjuvant treatment was given. The patient is still alive and disease-free one year after surgery.

Clinicians should.remain conscious of the potential carcinogenic effect of radiation therapy. Uterine carcinosarcoma may occur years after radiotherapy applied for cervical cancer. Therefore, long-term control following pelvic irradiation is always necessary.