Uterine Cancer

Uterine Sarcoma

Uterine sarcoma, a soft-tissue sarcoma, accounts for 5 percent of cases and involves the muscle of the uterus. Uterine sarcoma may spread more quickly than endometrial cancer.

The symptoms of uterine sarcoma vary depending on the type (leiomyosarcoma, endometrial stromal tumors, mixed müllerian sarcomas [carcinosarcoma], adenosarcoma), and sometimes the early stages produce few symptoms. Symptoms may include postmenopausal bleeding, spotting between periods, abnormal discharge without any visible blood, or pelvic pain.

Diagnosis

To determine if uterine sarcoma is present, a Mayo Clinic gynecologist will take a detailed medical history and conduct a complete physical exam. During a pelvic exam, the doctor will feel for lumps or abnormalities in the uterus. Mayo Clinic physicians recognize that an accurate and timely diagnosis of uterine sarcoma is critical. The Mayo Clinic Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory helps physicians make this accurate diagnosis.

Treatment

As with other forms of uterine cancer, uterine sarcoma is treated with a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The chemotherapy and radiation given for uterine sarcoma may differ from that for other types of uterine cancer. The chemotherapy might include cytotoxic chemotherapy or hormonal therapy. Mayo Clinic physicians work as a team to develop a treatment plan that offers the best outcome.