About Uterine Leiomyosarcoma

What is Uterine Leiomyosarcoma?

Uterine leiomyosarcoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the smooth muscle tissue of the uterus. It is a malignant tumor that can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, and lymph nodes. Symptoms of uterine leiomyosarcoma may include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and a mass in the abdomen. Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the tumor, followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy.

What are the symptoms of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma?

Common symptoms of uterine leiomyosarComa include:

- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Pelvic pain
- Abdominal swelling or bloating
- Pain during intercourse
- Difficulty urinating or defecating
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue
- Low back pain

What are the causes of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma?

The exact cause of uterine leiomyosarcoma is unknown. However, some risk factors have been identified, including:

• Age: Uterine leiomyosarcoma is more common in women over the age of 50.

• Hormone therapy: Women who have taken hormone therapy for menopause or other conditions may be at an increased risk of developing uterine leiomyosarcoma.

• Genetic factors: Certain genetic mutations may increase the risk of developing uterine leiomyosarcoma.

• Radiation exposure: Women who have been exposed to radiation may be at an increased risk of developing uterine leiomyosarcoma.

What are the treatments for Uterine Leiomyosarcoma?

The treatment for uterine leiomyosarcoma depends on the stage of the cancer. Generally, treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

Surgery: Surgery is the primary treatment for uterine leiomyosarcoma. Depending on the stage of the cancer, the surgeon may remove the uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and nearby lymph nodes.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy may be used to shrink the tumor before surgery or to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be used to shrink the tumor before surgery or to kill any remaining cancer cells after surgery.

Targeted Therapy: Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to target specific molecules involved in the growth and spread of cancer

What are the risk factors for Uterine Leiomyosarcoma?

1. Increasing age
2. Estrogen exposure
3. Family history of uterine cancer
4. Prior pelvic radiation
5. Obesity
6. Tamoxifen use
7. Nulliparity (never having given birth)
8. Long-term use of fertility drugs
9. Inherited genetic syndromes, such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome, neurofibromatosis type 1, and hereditary leiomyomatosis and renal cell cancer (HLRCC)

Is there a cure/medications for Uterine Leiomyosarcoma?

At this time, there is no cure for uterine leiomyosarcoma. Treatment options may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy. Your doctor will discuss the best treatment plan for you based on the stage and grade of your cancer.