Sarcomas and malignant mixed mesodermal tumours of the uterus – Diagnosis and prognostic significance of selected morphological parameters

Abstract

Sarcomas and malignant mixed mesodermal tumours of the uterus (MMMT), also called carcinosarcomas, belong to rare uterine ne- oplasms usually characterised by very aggressive clinical behaviour. Due to their low incidence, unknown etiology as well as complex molecular characteristics, until now neither prognostic factors responsible for unfavourable prognosis nor optimal treatment methods have been definitely established. This study attempts to determine prognostic significance of selected morphological parameters. Based on the analysis of primary uterine neoplasms in 43 women (including 30 sarcomas and 13 MMMT) it was shown that prognosis is dependent on the histological type of the neoplasm. The worst prognosis was observed in patients with carcinosarcomas and high- grade endometrial stromal sarcomas. Additionally, it was demonstrated that both aforementioned neoplasms occur in significantly older age groups.