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Uterine carcinosarcoma: a primer for radiologists

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Abstract

Objective

To provide a modern overview for radiologists of the unique radiological, pathological, and clinical features of uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS).

Results

UCS is a unique gynecological malignancy that continues to present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to the field of oncology. The classification and clinical understanding of this malignancy have evolved in recent years, yielding a modern conceptualization of a neoplastic entity that has been well studied but incompletely understood. As UCS causes a significant proportion of deaths secondary to uterine cancer, developing a familiarity with the imaging and clinical features of this entity is critical. In addition to summarizing the modern understanding of this tumor variant, an overview of the common imaging features of UCS will be presented. The role of radiological staging, imaging findings on presentation and follow-up imaging, and modern treatment paradigms will be discussed. Lastly, the current treatment paradigms and surveillance recommendations for UCS will be summarized.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the modern understanding of uterine carcinosarcoma, including its relevant imaging and clinical features, is critical for radiologists.

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Funding

Stefanie Avril, MD is supported by the Clinical and Translational Science Collaborative of Cleveland, (CTSCA/KL2 TR0002547). The remaining authors have no disclosures.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, 11100 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA

    Pavitra Ravishankar, Daniel A. Smith, Elias Kikano & Nikhil H. Ramaiya

  2. Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, 10900 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA

    Stefanie Avril

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  1. Pavitra Ravishankar
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Correspondence to Daniel A. Smith.

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Ravishankar, P., Smith, D.A., Avril, S. et al. Uterine carcinosarcoma: a primer for radiologists. Abdom Radiol 44, 2874–2885 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-019-02038-8

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