Uterine sarcoma, is very rare. It is a cancer of the uterine wall. Endometrial cancer, a cancer of the lining of the uterus, is far more common. There are three kinds of uterine sarcoma, and only about 1,000 new cases occur annually in the U.S.

Uterine cancer tends to grow rapidly. Unfortunately, there is no early warning. Most women are post-menopausal. They commonly experience post-menopausal bleeding. Enlargement of the uterus may cause low abdominal pain, pressure, constipation, and the need to urinate frequently. Most cases are found accidentally during surgery for fibroid tumors. Risk increases with age, and seems to be related to use of estrogen.

Therapy usually consists of the surgical removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Depending on the type and stage of disease, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy all may be used. These therapies are used primarily to help relieve symptoms of the cancer. They can also help local control of the tumor.

The survival rate is not very encouraging for uterine sarcomas. Up to half of the women who are diagnosed in early stages will live for 5 years.

For more information about uterine sarcoma contact the American Cancer Society at (800) ACS-2345 or the National Cancer Institute at (800) 4-CANCER.

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