Uterine Sarcoma

Uterine sarcoma is a rare type of uterine cancer that forms in muscle or other tissues of the uterus. It usually occurs after menopause. The two main types are leiomyosarcoma, which beings in smooth muscle cells, and endometrial stromal sarcoma, which begins in connective tissue cells.

The most common symptom of uterine sarcoma is abnormal bleeding from the vagina.

Check with your doctor if you incur:

• Vaginal bleeding that is not a part of your typical menstrual period
• Vaginal bleeding after menopause
• A mass in your vagina
• A feeling of fullness in your abdomen
• Abdominal pain
• Frequent urination

Surgery is used to diagnose, stage and treat both types of uterine sarcoma. During the procedure, the surgeon removes as much of the tissue as possible. The following procedures may be used:

• Laparotomy in which an incision is made in the wall of the abdomen to check for signs of disease.
• Abdominal and pelvic washings in which a saline solution is placed into the abdominal and pelvic body cavities. The fluid is then removed and viewed under a microscope to check for cancer cells.
• Total abdominal hysterectomy to remove the uterus and cervix, either a vaginal hysterectomy or a total abdominal hysterectomy. The uterus and cervix may also be removed through a small incision in the abdomen using a laparoscope, which is called a total laparoscopic hysterectomy.
• Bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy to remove both ovaries and both fallopian tubes.
• Lymphadenectomy to remove lymph nodes to check for signs of cancer.

Other Uterine Sarcoma Treatments

Even if the surgeon removes all the cancer visible at the time of surgery, some patients may be given chemotherapy or radiation therapy after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.

Memorial Hermann Cancer Centers are accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ (ACoS) Commission on Cancer (CoC). This rare distinction is given to cancer programs that uphold the highest standard of care for patients. When you choose Memorial Hermann Cancer Centers for your cancer treatment, you can rest assured you will receive the best possible care delivered by a compassionate team of caregivers in a calm, healing environment.