A retrospective analysis of the clinicopathologic characteristics of uterine cellular leiomyomas in China

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinicopathologic features of uterine cellular leiomyomas (CLs) by comparing them with those of uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMSs).MethodsA case–control study comparing 78 cases of CL with 10 cases of LMS was conducted. The patients’ records were reviewed to abstract information on tumors features and treatment, immunohistochemical findings, and disease prognosis.ResultsThe mean age at diagnosis was 45.3 ± 8.41 years in the CL group. The main clinical CL manifestations were menstrual abnormalities (56.4%), abdominal pain or distension (14.1%), and pelvic pressure (8.9%). Abdominal pain or distension was significantly more common in the LMS than in the CL group (P < 0.05). Generally, CL tumors were smaller in diameter than LMS tumors (P < 0.05). Moreover, lower levels of Ki-67 and PCNA expression were measured in CL than in LMS tumors (P < 0.05). There were no cases of malignant transformation or metastasis in 41 patients with CL who adhered to long-tern follow-up.ConclusionNo symptoms were found to be specifically associated with CL, and management of CL does not need to differ from that of ordinary leiomyoma. In contrast to malignant disease, CL has a favorable long-term prognosis. However, given its “borderline” pathologic nature, patients with CL require clinical surveillance.