Publication:

Epithelioid leiomyosarcoma: a rare uterine cancer

A uterine epithelioid leiomyosarcoma is a rare malignant tumour that arises from the smooth muscle lining the walls of the uterus. The exact cause of leiomyosarcoma, including uterine leiomyosarcoma accounting for 5 to 10% is unknown. Leiomyosarcoma is the most common subtype of uterine sarcoma, accounts for 1-2% of uterine malignancies. Malignancy should be suspected in menopausal women with tumour growth who are not on hormonal replacement therapy. A 64-year-old female had attained menopause 16 year back and developed postmenopausal bleeding since 2 months, with palpable mass, of 16 weeks size. Ultrasonography showed whorled mass lesions, endometrium and myometrium could not be seen separately. Uterus with both ovaries removed. Intra-operative findings showed 16 weeks uterine mass with size 15×10.5×10cm and weight 1kg with intramural fibroid. Necrotic and haemorrhagic areas with degenerative changes seen on cut section suggestive of malignancy. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry reported epithelioid leiomyosarcoma.