Mixed mesodermal tumors of the uterus

Two of five women with mixed mesodermal tumor of the uterus are well more than ten years after therapy. A third was well when last seen two years after therapy and died at age 84 but autopsy was not done. Review of the literature and the reported experience indicates that this diagnosis should be suspected more often. Since histologic features may vary from one place to another within the lesion, accurate assessment requires examination of adequate specimens of the tumor. The mere presence of heterologous elements in an endometrial carcinoma changes the five-year survival rate from 85 percent to less than 35 percent. While total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy is mandatory, radiation therapy should be added more often than in the past, as it has been clearly shown that many of these tumors are radiosensitive.