Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
What is Uterine Leiomyosarcoma?(LMS)
Uterine leiomyosarcoma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that begins in the muscle layer (myometrium) of the uterus. It is different from the more common uterine cancer (which starts in the lining or endometrium).
How is it Detected?
Often found after surgery done for what was thought to be a non-cancerous fibroid.
Sometimes suspected if there is:
- Rapidly growing fibroid
- Abnormal bleeding
- Pelvic pain or pressure
- Sucpicious lesions on Radiological imaging.
How is it Diagnosed?
Confirmed by lab examination of the uterus after hysterectomy or through biopsy.
Further tests such as CT or MRI scans are done to see if cancer has spread.
How is it Treated?
- Surgery (Main treatment):
- Removal of uterus (hysterectomy)
- Ovaries may or may not be removed
- Lymph nodes usually not removed unless enlarged
- Chemotherapy:
- May be given after surgery to reduce the chance of cancer coming back
- Radiotherapy:
- Not always used
- May be offered in certain cases.
Follow-Up Care
- Regular check-ups every 3–6 months
- Imaging (like CT scans) to check for recurrence
FAQs
Q: Can LMS be cured?
A: If found early and treated promptly, LMS can be controlled, but it can return. Regular follow-up is important.
Q: Is it the same as fibroids?
A: No. Fibroids are non-cancerous. LMS is a rare cancer that may look like fibroids at first.