​Uterine Sarcomas​

Uterus is a hollow, pear-shaped organ and is part of the female reproductive system, where the foetus grows. Uterine sarcoma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells develop in the endometrial lining of the uterus or in other tissues that support the uterus.

You may have uterine sarcomas if you experience any of the following symptoms:

  • Vaginal bleeding apart from menstruation

  • Vaginal bleeding after menopause

  • Abdominal pain or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen

  • Urge to urinate frequently

  • A mass in the vagina​​

Your symptoms can also be associated with other disorders. For a detailed diagnosis, you can consult a specialist working with the Oncology Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital.​

Your time with your doctor maybe limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​​

On your first visit, your doctor will inquire about your medical history. Make sure to be thorough when informing your doctor about any past illnesses or treatments you have encountered. Following this you may undergo a series of tests, including:

  • A physical exam to check for any unusual lumps and to determine the size, shape and position of the uterus and ovaries, by inserting fingers into the vagina and placing the other hand on the abdomen.

  • Endometrial biopsy in which a sample of endometrial tissue is taken by suction using a thin flexible tube inserted into the uterus via the cervix. The extracted tissues are then tested for cancerous cells

  • Dilation and Curettage in which the tissues from the uterine lining are scraped for testing under microscope to detect the cancerous cells

To determine the spread and stage of the cancer, the following procedures may be used:

  • Blood test to measure the level of CA 125 and certain other substances in the blood. High levels of CA 125 indicates presence of cancer

  • X-ray, Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan to obtain detailed pictures of areas inside the body to check for cancer spread

  • Cystoscopy in which a small viewing telescope, called the cystoscope, is inserted into the bladder to visually check for abnormal areas in the bladder and urethra​​

Your treatment options and chances of recovery will depend on the stage, types and size of the cancer along with your general overall health. These options include:

  • Surgery:

    • Total abdominal hysterectomy in which a large incision is made in the abdomen to remove the uterus and the cervix.

    • Bilateralsalpingo-oophorectomy in which both the ovaries and the fallopian tubes are removed.

  • Chemotherapy to kill advance cancerous cells by the use of medicines.

  • Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells in certain stages using high dose of X-rays or implants in the vaginal cavity.​​

​The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialized clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatments’ costs and authorize admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies allow. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.​​​

​Your doctor and or nurse will give you specific instructions about the prescribed medication. Please ensure that you take or use the prescribed medicine as advised. It can be dangerous to your health if you self-prescribe. Please inform the doctor or nurse beforehand if you have experienced any adverse reactions to any medications in the past. If you experience any symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose or severe reaction please contact the Pharmacy Service at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. You can find the contact number of the Pharmacy Services in the ‘Important Numbers’ section on the website homepage.​​​

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​​The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider. ​