Uterine leiomyosarcomas and leiomyomas: Two similar uterine solid tumors, totally different for prognosis

Abstract

The uterine leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare sarcoma arising from the smooth muscle cells found within the myometrium, it is clinically aggressive smooth muscle malignancy, accounting for 2% to 6% of uterine malignancies and an annual incidence of 1.7 per 100,000 women. Although uterine malignancies such as endometrial cancer are common, uterine LMS accounts for only 1% of uterine cancers and is a part of uterine sarcomas’ group, who comprises: carcinosarcoma (formerly known as MMMT, malignant mixed Mullerian tumor) (40% to 50%), leiomyosarcoma (30% to 40%) and endometrial stromal sarcoma (10% to 15%). Every group has its own risk factors, presenting symptoms, treatment response and prognosis.