Uterine Sarcoma Stages

When referring to the extent of uterine sarcoma, stages are used to express the progression of the disease. It is important to determine the stage of uterine sarcoma in order to plan treatment. Uterine sarcoma stages include stages I-IV and recurrent forms of the disease. Staging uterine sarcoma involves tests and procedures such as a transvaginal ultrasound, a CT scan, a cystoscopy, chest x-rays, and surgery.

 

Uterine Sarcoma Stages: An Overview

If a uterine sarcoma diagnosis is made, the doctor will need to determine the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage, or extent, of the disease in order to plan the best uterine sarcoma treatment. Uterine sarcoma staging is an attempt to find out the size of the tumor, whether the disease has spread, and if so, to what parts of the body.
 

Staging Uterine Sarcoma

Tests and procedures that may be used to determine the stage of uterine sarcoma include:
 
 
Transvaginal Ultrasound
A transvaginal ultrasound is a procedure that is used to examine the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and bladder. An ultrasound transducer (probe) is inserted into the vagina and used to bounce high-energy sound waves (ultrasound) off internal tissues or organs and make echoes. The echoes will form a picture of body tissues called a sonogram, which the doctor will use to identify tumors.
 
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
A computed tomography (CT) scan is a procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body taken from different angles. A computer linked to an x-ray machine creates these pictures. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help the organs or tissues show up more clearly on the picture. This procedure is also called computerized tomography or computerized axial tomography (CAT).
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD