Uterine Sarcoma Cancer

Why Choose Loyola for Uterine Sarcoma Cancer?

Uterine sarcoma is a cancer that forms in the tissues and muscles in and around the uterus. It is very rare and different from endometrial or uterine cancer, which forms in the lining of the uterus. The most common symptom is vaginal bleeding that is unrelated to your menstrual cycle. 

Symptoms and Signs of Uterine Sarcoma Cancer

The most common symptoms of a uterine sarcoma are:

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, especially after menopause
• Frequent urination
• Vaginal discharge
• A feeling of fullness in your pelvis or pelvic mass

These symptoms may indicate a noncancerous growth that is not uterine sarcoma, but if you experience any or a combination of them (especially vaginal bleeding that is unrelated to your menstrual cycle), you should contact your doctor.

Causes and Risk Factors of Uterine Sarcoma Cancer

While it is unknown what causes uterine sarcoma, there are certain risk factors to be aware of, including:

• Exposure to X-rays or past radiation therapy to the pelvis
• Race: African-American woman are more likely to develop uterine sarcoma than women of other races
• Treatment with tamoxifen for breast cancer

How Is Uterine Sarcoma Cancer Diagnosed?

Uterine sarcoma is not easily detected early. Your doctor will take you through a thorough medical history and physical exam, as well as a pelvic exam. Other tests to determine uterine sarcoma include:

• Pap test (smear)
• Ultrasound (transvaginal)
• Dilation and curettage (D&C)
• CT Scan
• MRI
• PET scan
• Chest X-ray
• Endometrial biopsy

How is Uterine Sarcoma Cancer Treated?

Uterine sarcoma treatment includes one or a combination of several options, depending on the stage of your cancer. These options include:

• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy: external beam or brachytherapy

Surgery is often the primary source of treatment for uterine sarcoma, and the type of surgery you need depends on how far the cancer has spread. Surgeries to remove uterine sarcoma include:

• Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) sometimes combined with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of both ovaries and fallopian tubes) and omentectomy (removal of the omentum – the fatty tissue that cover contents of the abdomen)
• Debulking surgery (removal of as much of the tumor as possible)

Detection and Screening for Uterine Sarcoma Cancer

Although most cases of uterine sarcoma cannot be prevented, regular screenings such as Pap tests can help to catch it in an early stage. If you have had pelvic radiation, talk to your doctor about your increased risk of developing this type of cancer.