Unsuspected uterine leiomyosarcoma discovered during treatment with a gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue: a case report and literature review

Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. 1998 Feb;76(2):237-40. doi: 10.1016/s0301-2115(97)00211-x.

Abstract

We report a case of a 37-year-old woman who had received five courses of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (Decapeptyl) for presumed uterine leiomyomata associated with episodes of uterine bleeding. Submucous myoma (histologically proven) was partially removed on the first visit. After a period of significant reduction in the tumor size and cessation of uterine bleeding, the symptoms recurred along with rapid re-growth of the uterus. Total abdominal hysterectomy was performed and the pathologic evaluation revealed leiomyosarcoma with a high mitotic rate. This case and the literature review emphasize the problems encountered with the early diagnosis of uterine leiomyosarcoma during GnRH agonist therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal / therapeutic use*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hysterectomy
  • Leiomyoma*
  • Leiomyosarcoma / diagnosis*
  • Leiomyosarcoma / pathology
  • Leiomyosarcoma / surgery
  • Mitosis
  • Triptorelin Pamoate / therapeutic use*
  • Uterine Hemorrhage
  • Uterine Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Uterine Neoplasms / pathology

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents, Hormonal
  • Triptorelin Pamoate