Predictive histologic factors in carcinosarcomas of the uterus

Uterine carcinosarcomas are rare aggressive biphasic neoplasms. Because ofits rarity, limited data are available on potential prognostic parameters. While severalstudies support that carcinomatous components predict outcomes, others do not. In thisstudy, we evaluated the clinical and histopathologic features of 196 uterinecarcinosarcomas to identify potential prognostic factors. Patients’ages ranged from 34to 95 yr (median, 68 yr). Seventy-three (38%) patients experienced tumor recurrenceduring follow-up. Tumors≥5 cm, outer half myometrial invasion, lymphovascularinvasion, lymph node metastasis, advanced stage (International Federation ofGynecology and Obstetrics stages III–IV), sarcomatous component on recurrence,sarcoma dominance, and positive cytology were significantly associated with shorterdisease-free interval (Po0.05). In addition, serous histology and rhabdomyoblasticdifferentiation was significantly associated with worse 3-yr overall survival. Our datasupports that both carcinomatous and sarcomatous components play a role in tumorprogression and survival of uterine carcinosarcoma patients, suggesting their equalimportance in guiding management decisions.Uterine carcinosarcomas are rare aggressive biphasic neoplasms. Because ofits rarity, limited data are available on potential prognostic parameters. While severalstudies support that carcinomatous components predict outcomes, others do not. In thisstudy, we evaluated the clinical and histopathologic features of 196 uterinecarcinosarcomas to identify potential prognostic factors. Patients’ages ranged from 34to 95 yr (median, 68 yr). Seventy-three (38%) patients experienced tumor recurrenceduring follow-up. Tumors≥5 cm, outer half myometrial invasion, lymphovascularinvasion, lymph node metastasis, advanced stage (International Federation ofGynecology and Obstetrics stages III–IV), sarcomatous component on recurrence,sarcoma dominance, and positive cytology were significantly associated with shorterdisease-free interval (Po0.05). In addition, serous histology and rhabdomyoblasticdifferentiation was significantly associated with worse 3-yr overall survival. Our datasupports that both carcinomatous and sarcomatous components play a role in tumorprogression and survival of uterine carcinosarcoma patients, suggesting their equalimportance in guiding management decisions.A