Leiomyosarcoma of the uterus: case reports and a review.

Eight patients with leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the uterus recently treated at our institution are reported. Modes of initial therapy in these patients included surgery alone, radiation therapy alone, or surgery plus radiation therapy. Mitotic counts were greater than 10 per 10 high power fields in the tumors of all of these patients. Only two patients are currently alive, and both have been treated for metastatic neoplasm to the lungs. A comparison of the histological material of these patients with criteria outlined in the recent literature for a diagnosis of uterine LMS is made. The possible role of a hormonal influence on this neoplasm is discussed. It would appear that a more aggressive initial therapy plan may improve survival in patients with this lethal malignancy.