Patterns of metastasis in uterine sarcoma. An autopsy study

Abstract

The autopsy findings of 73 patients with uterine sarcoma were studied to determine the sites and possible modes of metastasis. Homologous mixed mesodermal tumors were the most frequent (41%) followed by leiomyosarcoma (26%), heterologous mixed mesodermal tumor (18.3%), stromal sarcoma (12%), and endolymphatic stromal myosis (3%). The peritoneal cavity and omentum were the most frequently involved sites (59%), followed by the lung (52%), pelvic lymph nodes (41%), paraaortic lymph nodes (38%), and liver parenchyma (34%). The presence of lung metastasis was not associated with pelvic or paraaortic node metastasis or intraperitoneal disease. Metastasis to other distant sites including the brain, heart, kidney, and bone were independent of pelvic and paraaortic nodal metastasis or intraperitoneal disease. Metastatic sites were not different among various histologic types. Distant metastatic sites were statistically associated with lung metastasis. Hematogenous metastasis best explains this metastatic pattern and adjuvant systemic therapy seems indicated.