Original correct diagnosis affects the prognosis of patients with uterine sarcomas / 解放军医学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To analyze the causes of misdiagnosis of uterine sarcomas and to explore the measures to reduce these errors. Methods A retrospective study of 40 cases of uterine sarcomas admitted between January 1980 and June 2002 to our hospital was performed. Results Uterine sarcomas were easily misdiagnosed as leiomyomas. A correct diagnosis of uterine sarcoma was made at primary operation in 15 cases (37.5%). A wrong diagnosis was made in 25 cases (62.5%), and among them re-operation was done in 15 cases. In 7 patients, three operations were performed. Recurrence rate was as high as 64.0%. The rate of hematogenous dissemination was also high. The patients in whom a misdiagnosis was made at their primary operation were younger in age than the patients in whom a correct diagnosis was made (43 years vs 50 years). The amounts of bleeding and transfusion during operations were increased in patients with misdiagnosis. Conclusions Atypical manifestations and lack of knowledge about the diseases were the main causes for misdiagnosis of uterine sarcomas. Misdiagnosis might be avoided by a comprehensive analysis of all clinical information. Radical resection of the primary tumor was the most significant means to ensure a better prognosis.