Uterine Sarcoma: A Clinico-Pathological Study

To analyse the clinical presentation, histological type, management, and prognosis of cases diagnosed with uterine sarcomas.

This was a hospital-based retrospective study conducted at the Institute of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Chennai, and Meenakshi Medical College and RI, Kancheepuram, from 2009 to 2015. Thirty patients who were diagnosed with uterine sarcoma were analysed for type of sarcoma, clinical details, treatment, and prognosis.

Leiomyosarcoma was the commonest type seen in ten cases followed by mixed mullerian tumours in nine cases and endometrial stromal sarcomas in six cases. Leiomyosarcomas and mixed mullerian tumours were seen between the ages of 45 and 65 years. Women with endometrial stromal tumours were younger in the age group between 35 and 45 years. Pelvic mass and pain were the predominant symptom in leiomyosarcoma and mixed mullerian tumours. Endodermal stromal tumours presented predominantly with abnormal uterine bleeding. Forty percentage of cases were diagnosed with stage I disease. Twenty-six patients were managed surgically. Post-operative adjuvant therapy was given in 12 patients. Median duration of follow-up was 52 months. During the above period, 11 were alive, eight were lost to follow-up, and 11 were dead. In those who were alive, two cases presented with local recurrences.

The pre-operative diagnosis of sarcoma is difficult and prognosis is poor even in early stage disease because of the aggressive nature of the tumours.