Leiomyosarcomas: analysis of clinical presentations in 6 patients.

OBJECTIVE To identify characteristic features of leiomyosarcomas in an attempt to diagnose them preoperatively. STUDY DESIGN The 3 years experience with 6 patients with uterine leiomyosarcomas at Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar was retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS The mean age of occurrence was 50 years with abnormal uterine bleeding the commonest symptom. Leiomyosarcomas had no preferential uterine location and were of variable sizes. Only 1 case was diagnosed preoperatively. CONCLUSION We have observed that physical examination and imaging techniques are rarely helpful in establishing the diagnosis preoperatively. We recommend larger prospective studies to evaluate the efficacy of preoperative monitoring of enlarged uteri.