Uterine leiomyosarcoma is a rare cancerous tumor in the walls of the uterus. It is a smooth muscle cancer, classified as a type of sarcoma. Most uterine cancers are of a different variety called adenocarcinomas (arising from the glandular lining). These types of cancer account for 95 percent of uterine cancers, according to William M. Rich, M.D. The most common symptom of uterine cancer is abnormal bleeding, making it easily detectable in the early stages. Other symptoms include a vaginal mass that can be felt, frequent urination, vaginal discharge and pelvic or abdominal pain. Treatments for this type of cancer vary from woman to woman and are dependent on the severity.
Abnormal Bleeding
Abnormal bleeding is the most prevalent symptom of cancer of the uterus. In postmenopausal women, any vaginal bleeding should be suspected to be a result of cancer of the uterus. A doctor might do a biopsy to confirm or rule out this diagnosis. In menstruating women, bleeding between periods could indicate cancer. For all women, bleeding after intercourse could signal leiomyosarcoma, though often an infection might be the cause.
Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is a symptom of leiomyosarcoma. However, the urge to urinate more often also can be caused by other conditions, too. Urinary tract infections are common causes of frequent urination but are typically accompanied by pain or burning while urinating. The advanced stages of vaginal cancer also can present pain in urination, though constipation and pelvic pain also occur.
Vaginal Mass
A vaginal mass my be a sign of leiomyosarcoma. The mass may vary in size and can be felt inside the vagina.
Pain
Pain symptoms can occur with leiomyosarcoma, including pain in the abdomen or a feeling of fullness. Talk to your doctor if pain or any of the other above symptoms are present. According to the American Cancer Society, leiomyosarcomas and endometrial stromal sarcomas account for about 3 percent of cancers of the uterus, 1,200 cases in 2009. Examples of screenings to detect leiomyosarcoma include physical and pelvic examination, computed tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
