Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the broad ligament

Abstract

Aims: Sarcomas of the broad ligament are exceptionally rare. To our knowledge, the present case is the first description of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) occurring in the broad ligament. Herein, we report this unusual case, and discuss differential diagnoses and treatment.

Results: A 55-year-old postmenopausal woman was admitted for lower abdominal pain and vaginal spotting. Radiological examination revealed a latero-uterine mass that was independent of the surrounding organs. Treatment consisted in a total resection of the mass in addition to total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Based on histological examination, immunohistochemical study and quantitative PCR, a diagnosis of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) was made. The patient was lost to follow-up for 6 months, and then presented with a local recurrence of the tumour in addition to secondary pulmonary and vertebral localizations. The patient died less than one year after the first diagnosis.

Conclusions: Diagnosis of UPS of the broad ligament is based on exclusion using a large panel of antibodies. There is no consensus for treatment. The prognosis of this disease cannot be assessed due to its rarity, but it can be hypothesized that early recurrence is indicative of poor prognosis.