The phenotypical features and risk factors for progression of endometrial stromal tumors

Abstract

Endometrial stromal sarcomas are mesenchymal tumors and constitute 0,2-1% of all the malignant uterine pathologies and 6-20% of uterine sarcomas. Commonly they arise in 42-53 year old women. Unlike epithelial tumors, that are having better prognosis, uterine sarcomas are known to have bad prognosis. The recurrence rate and the risk of distant metastasis is high. Local recurrence can be even seen 20-30 years after primary diagnosis and therapy. Radical surgery stands as the primary therapeutic method, often with adjuvant radio- and chemotherapy. Due to the low incidence of endometrial stromal sarcomas, only few things are known about the risk factors of bad outcome and its optimal management.