The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:2:88-94
doi: 10.1576/toag.9.2.088.27309
Copyright © 2007 by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
Uterine leiomyosarcomas: a review of the diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls
Vanessa N Harry, MRCOG, Clinical Research Fellow1,
Gordon V Narayansingh, FRCOG, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist2 and
David E Parkin, MD FRCOG, Consultant Gynaecological Oncologist3
1. Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZN, UK Email: v.harry{at}abdn.ac.uk (corresponding author)
2. Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, UK
3. Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, UK
Key content:
- Uterine leiomyosarcomas are the most common uterine sarcoma and they are notoriously aggressive in nature.
- Preoperative diagnosis is difficult and they are usually detected as an incidental finding at surgery.
- Tumour stage is the most important prognostic factor.
- Misdiagnosis or delay in diagnosis can occur following the use of conservative techniques for managing uterine fibroids.
- The primary treatment is surgical, while the role of adjuvant therapy is still to be clearly defined.
Learning objectives:
- To appreciate the diagnostic challenges faced with uterine leiomyosarcomas, especially in view of the similarities with uterine fibroids.
- To learn about the current views on surgical treatment and adjuvant therapy.
- To have an understanding of the novel therapies currently under investigation.
Ethical issues:
- Can we offer women conservative non-surgical treatment for fibroids if we cannot confidently exclude leiomyosarcomas?
Please cite this article as: Harry VN, Narayansingh GV, Parkin DE. Uterine leiomyosarcomas: a review of the diagnostic and therapeutic pitfalls. The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 2007;9:8894.
Keywords chemotherapy / FIGO criteria / radiotherapy / uterine fibroids / uterine leiomyosarcomas
Copyright © 2007 by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.