Uterine Sarcoma: A Rare and Aggressive Cancer
Uterine sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that starts in the muscle or connective tissue of the uterus (the womb). The uterus is a hollow organ where a baby grows during pregnancy. Uterine sarcoma is different from endometrial cancer, which is much more common and starts in the lining of the uterus.
Types of Uterine Cancer
There are two main types of uterine sarcoma: leiomyosarcoma (LMS) and endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS). LMS is the most common type and it starts in the muscle layer of the uterus (the myometrium). ESS starts in the supporting tissue of the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). ESS can be low grade or high grade, depending on how fast it grows and how abnormal the cells look.
Symptoms of Uterine Sarcoma
Uterine sarcoma can cause symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic or abdominal pain, bloating, a mass in the vagina or pelvis, or problems with urination or bowel movements. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, so it is important to see a doctor if you have any of them.
The diagnosis of uterine sarcoma is usually made by examining a sample of tissue from the uterus under a microscope. This can be done by a procedure called a biopsy or by removing the uterus surgically (a hysterectomy). The doctor will also check if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body by doing tests such as blood tests, imaging tests (such as CT scan, MRI, or PET scan), or surgery.
Treatment of Uterine Sarcoma
The treatment of uterine sarcoma depends on several factors, such as the type and stage of the cancer, the patient's age and general health, and the patient's preferences. The main treatments are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy. Sometimes, a combination of these treatments is used.
Surgery is often the first treatment for uterine sarcoma. The most common surgery is a hysterectomy, which removes the uterus and sometimes the cervix. Sometimes, the ovaries and fallopian tubes are also removed (a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy). If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs, they may also be removed.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It can be given externally (from a machine outside the body) or internally (by placing radioactive material inside the body near the tumour). Radiation therapy can be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumour or prevent it from coming back. It can also be used to relieve symptoms if the cancer has spread.
Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. It can be given by mouth, by injection, or through a vein (intravenously). Chemotherapy can be used before or after surgery to shrink the tumour or prevent it from coming back. It can also be used to treat cancer that has spread or that does not respond to other treatments.
Hormone therapy uses drugs that block or lower the levels of hormones in the body. Hormones can affect the growth of some types of uterine sarcoma, especially low-grade ESS. Hormone therapy can be used alone or with other treatments to slow down or stop the growth of these tumours.
Outlook for People with Uterine Cancer
The outlook for people with uterine sarcoma depends on many factors, such as the type and stage of the cancer, the response to treatment, and the patient's overall health. Uterine sarcoma is often aggressive and hard to treat. It tends to come back after treatment or spread to other parts of the body. However, some people with uterine sarcoma can live for many years with treatment and follow-up care.
If you have been diagnosed with uterine sarcoma, you may have many questions and concerns about your condition and treatment. You may also need emotional and practical support from your family, friends, and health care team. There are also many resources available to help you cope with uterine sarcoma, such as support groups, online forums, educational materials, and counselling services. You are not alone in this journey.
Sources
- Debbo Africa: https://debbo.africa
- Uterine Sarcoma: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16408-uterine-sarcoma
- What Is Uterine Sarcoma? American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/uterine-sarcoma/about/what-is-uterine-sarcoma.html
- Uterine Sarcoma. Yale Medicine. https://www.yalemedicine.org/conditions/uterine-sarcoma
- Uterine Sarcoma. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/types/uterine-sarcoma