Gynecologic Sarcomas Diagnosed and Treated at The Gynecologic Oncology Center at Mercy

A sarcoma is cancer that develops in tissue. Soft tissue sarcoma develops in connective tissues such as muscle, fat, tendon or ligaments as opposed to developing in bone tissue. Gynecologic sarcomas develop in the soft tissues of the uterus, which is the most common location, as well as in the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, vulva, or vagina. Gynecologic sarcomas are rare and occur mostly in post-menopausal women.

The most common symptom of gynecologic sarcomas is vaginal bleeding. Since vaginal bleeding can indicate a variety of conditions, it is important to have a pelvic examination to determine the cause of bleeding.

Gynecologic sarcomas are treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy or with a combination of these treatments. The location, type, and stage of the gynecologic sarcoma determine how it will be treated most effectively.