Andrieu PC, Woo S, Kim TH, Kertowidjojo E, Hodgson A, Sun S. New imaging modalities to distinguish rare uterine mesenchymal cancers from benign uterine lesions.
Curr Opin Oncol 2021;
33:464-475. [PMID:
34172593 PMCID:
PMC8376762 DOI:
10.1097/cco.0000000000000758]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Uterine sarcomas are rare and are often challenging to differentiate on imaging from benign mimics, such as leiomyoma. As functional MRI techniques have improved and new adjuncts, such as machine learning and texture analysis, are now being investigated, it is helpful to be aware of the current literature on imaging features that may sometimes allow for preoperative distinction.
RECENT FINDINGS
MRI, with both conventional and functional imaging, is the modality of choice for evaluating uterine mesenchymal tumors, especially in differentiating uterine leiomyosarcoma from leiomyoma through validated diagnostic algorithms. MRI is sometimes helpful in differentiating high-grade stromal sarcoma from low-grade stromal sarcoma or differentiating endometrial stromal sarcoma from endometrial carcinoma. However, imaging remains nonspecific for evaluating rarer neoplasms, such as uterine tumor resembling ovarian sex cord tumor or perivascular epithelioid cell tumor, primarily because of the small number and power of relevant studies.
SUMMARY
Through advances in MRI techniques and novel investigational imaging adjuncts, such as machine learning and texture analysis, imaging differentiation of malignant from benign uterine mesenchymal tumors has improved and could help reduce morbidity relating to misdiagnosis or diagnostic delays.
Collapse