Uterine sarcoma is a type of cancer that forms in the muscles or tissues of the uterus, or womb. Uterine sarcoma is different from endometrial cancer, which is cancer of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus). Uterine sarcoma is very rare.
Uterine sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that forms in the muscles or tissues of the uterus, Signs include unusual bleeding, pain, and feeling full. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.
Sarcomas are cancers that start from tissues like muscle, fat, bone, and fibrous tissue (the material that forms tendons and ligaments). Cancers that start in epithelial cells, the cells that line or cover most organs, are called carcinomas.
More than 95% of uterine cancers are carcinomas. If a carcinoma starts in the cervix, it is a cervical carcinoma. Carcinomas starting in the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, are endometrial carcinomas. These types of cancer are covered in Cervical Cancer and Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer.
Another type of cancer that starts in the uterus is called carcinosarcoma. These cancers start in the endometrium and have features of both sarcomas and carcinomas. These cancers are also known as malignant mixed mesodermal tumors or malignant mixed Mullerian tumors. Uterine carcinosarcomas are covered in Endometrial (Uterine) Cancer.
What are the stages of uterine sarcoma?
The stages of uterine sarcoma are:
- Stage I: the cancer is in the uterus only.
- Stage II: the cancer has spread to the cervix.
- Stage III: the cancer has spread beyond the uterus and cervix but is still contained within the pelvis.
- Stage IV: the cancer has spread to areas outside the pelvis, including the bladder, abdomen, and groin.
What are the signs and symptoms of uterine sarcoma?
The main signs and symptoms of uterine sarcoma are:
- Unusual bleeding from the vagina that is not related to menstrual periods or that happens after menopause
- A mass (lump or growth) in the vagina
- Pain in the abdomen
- Feeling full at all times
- Having to urinate often