Potential Markers to Differentiate Uterine Leiomyosarcomas from Leiomyomas

Abstract

Uterine leiomyomas (ULM) are the most common benign tumors of the female genitalia, while uterine leiomyosarcomas (ULMS) are rare. The sarcoma is diffuse growth, prone to hematogenous metastasis, and has a poor prognosis. Due to their similar clinical symptoms and morphological features, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish them, and the final diagnosis depends on histological diagnosis. Misdiagnosis of ULM as ULMS will lead to more invasive and extensive surgery when it is not needed, while misdiagnosis of ULMS as ULM may lead to delayed treatment and poor prognosis. This review searched and studied the published articles on ULM and ULMS, and summarized the potential markers for the differential diagnosis of ULMS. These markers will facilitate differential diagnosis and personalized treatment, providing timely diagnosis and potentially better prognosis for patients.

Comprehensive Review of Uterine Leiomyosarcoma: Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, Prognosis, and Targeted Therapy

“…This method remains the gold standard [8]. Accordingly, the differential and conclusive diagnosis between benign and malignant uterine tumors is exclusively postsurgical and based on histological examination [10]. In histologic evaluations, conventional uLMS appear hypercellular with severe nuclear atypia, tumor cell necrosis, and high mitotic rate (≥10 mitoses figures per 10 high power fields).…”