Surgical Pathology of Tumors

Uterine leiomyomas (or uterine fibroids) are benign tumors arising from smooth muscle cells in the uterine myometrium. Leiomyosarcomas, however, are malignant tumors, arising de novo (not from fibroids). With a lifetime risk of > 70% for both African American and Caucasian women, fibroids are common. Conversely, leiomyosarcomas are rare. Leiomyosarcomas may present similarly to uterine fibroids making preoperative diagnosis challenging. Both conditions present with abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, and/or bulk symptoms. A fibroid is identified as a hypoechoic, well-circumscribed, round mass on pelvic ultrasound. A leiomyosarcoma is usually diagnosed on a postoperative specimen. Depending on patient symptoms and preference, treatment for leiomyoma may include surgical resection or medical options to reduce bleeding and/or bulk. Management of leiomyosarcoma, which carries a poor prognosis, may include adjuvant chemotherapy based on stage.