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What is Uterine Sarcoma?

Uterine sarcoma, also called leiomyosarcoma, is a disease in which cancerous cells form in the muscles of the uterus or other tissues that support the uterus. Being exposed to X-rays can affect the risk of developing uterine sarcoma. Possible symptoms of uterine sarcoma include abnormal bleeding.

More than 40,000 American women will be diagnosed with cancer of the uterus this year; however, almost all of these cases will be endometrial cancers. Uterine sarcomas, including carcinosarcomas, leiomyosarcomas and endometrial stromal sarcomas, make up about 2-4% of uterine cancers, which translates to between 800 to 1,600 American women diagnosed with uterine sarcoma this year.

Treatment Options for Uterine Sarcoma

Surgery (hysterectomy) is generally the initial treatment for uterine sarcoma. Following surgery, you may receive chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or radiation therapy to kill any cancerous cells that remain.

For patients with advanced disease that has spread (and cannot be removed surgically), Fox Chase gynecological oncologists have developed an effective chemotherapy regimen. For patients with early stage leiomyosarcoma that has been surgically removed, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be used to decrease the chance of recurrence (the cancer coming back).

For more information about gynecological cancer treatment and prevention at Fox Chase Cancer Center or to make an appointment, call 1-888-FOX CHASE (1-888-369-2427).