Uterine Sarcoma

Uterine sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that starts in the muscle or connective tissue of the uterus (womb), rather than in the inner lining (which is where most uterine cancers start). It is different from the more common endometrial cancer and tends to grow and spread more aggressively.

Because uterine sarcomas can look similar to noncancerous conditions like fibroids, they can sometimes be hard to diagnose early. Common symptoms include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain or pressure, and a rapidly growing mass in the uterus.

Doctors may use pelvic exams, imaging (like ultrasound or MRI), biopsies, or surgery to diagnose uterine sarcoma. Treatment usually involves surgery, and may also include radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy, depending on the type and stage of the cancer.

Types of uterine sarcoma include:

• Leiomyosarcoma (LMS): The most common type. It starts in the smooth muscle layer of the uterus (myometrium). LMS tends to grow quickly and may spread to other parts of the body.
• Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma (ESS): This cancer begins in the connective tissue (stroma) that supports the uterine lining.
  • Low-grade ESS usually grows slowly and may be treated with hormone therapy.
  • High-grade ESS is more aggressive and requires more intensive treatment.
• Undifferentiated Uterine Sarcoma: A very rare and fast-growing form of uterine sarcoma that can be difficult to treat. It tends to spread quickly and does not look like normal uterine tissue under the microscope.
• Adenosarcoma: A rare tumor with both benign (noncancerous) glandular tissue and malignant (cancerous) stromal tissue. It often grows in the lining of the uterus and may be less aggressive than other types.

For more information about uterine sarcoma, please visit the organizations listed below.