In some cases, knowing the signs and symptoms of uterine sarcoma and discussing them promptly with your health care professional can help find it at an early stage. Unfortunately, many uterine sarcomas reach an advanced stage before recognizable signs and symptoms are present. The signs and symptoms for the two main types of uterine sarcoma are different.

Screening Tests

Screening refers to testing to find a disease such as cancer in people who do not have symptoms of that disease. At this time, there are no tests or exams to detect uterine sarcomas in women without symptoms (asymptomatic). The Pap test, which screens for cervical cancer, can occasionally find some early uterine sarcomas, but it is not a good test for this type of cancer.

The Pap test is very effective, however, in finding early carcinomas of the cervix (the lower part of the uterus).

How Uterine Sarcoma is Diagnosed

In most cases, the possibility of uterine sarcoma is suggested by certain symptoms. These symptoms do not always mean that a woman has a uterine sarcoma. In fact, they are more often caused by non-cancerous changes in the uterus, by pre-cancerous overgrowth of the endometrium, or by an endometrial carcinoma. Doctors use one or more tests to diagnose these possibilities.

Signs and Symptoms of Uterine Sarcomas

• Abnormal Bleeding or Spotting

If you have gone through menopause, it is especially important to report bleeding or spotting to your health care professional. About 85 percent of patients diagnosed with uterine sarcomas have irregular vaginal bleeding (between periods) or bleeding after menopause. Although this symptom is often caused by a benign condition, it is important to have a medical evaluation of any irregular bleeding right away. Leiomyosarcomas are less likely to cause abnormal bleeding than endometrial stromal sarcomas.

• Vaginal Discharge

About 10 percent of women with uterine sarcomas have a vaginal discharge that does not have any visible blood. Although a discharge is most often a sign of infection or another benign condition, it also can be a sign of cancer. Any abnormal discharge should be investigated by your health care professional.

• Pelvic Pain and/or Mass

When they are first diagnosed, about 10 percent of women have pelvic pain or a mass (tumor) that can be felt. You or your doctor may be able to feel the mass in your uterus, or you may have a feeling of fullness in your pelvis.

Consultation, Medical History, and Physical Exam

If a uterine cancer is suspected, most doctors recommend that the woman be examined by a gynecologic oncologist (a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating female reproductive system cancers).

Your doctor will ask you about your personal and family medical history. You also will be asked about any symptoms, risk factors, and other health problems. You will be given a general physical and a pelvic exam.