Uterine sarcoma

Last medical review:

Uterine sarcomas begin in the muscle or connective tissue of the uterus. About 5% of all uterine cancers are uterine sarcoma.

Uterine leiomyosarcoma develops in the muscle layer of the uterus wall (called the myometrium). It's the most common type of uterine sarcomas.

Endometrial stromal sarcoma is a rare type of uterine sarcoma. It develops in the supporting connective tissue of the endometrium. Low-grade stromal sarcomas most often occur in premenopausal women. High-grade stromal sarcomas most often occur after menopause.

Undifferentiated sarcomas are a rare, aggressive type of endometrial stromal sarcoma.

Expert review and references

  • Tien Le, MD, FRCSC, DABOG
  • Guideline Resource Unit (GURU). Uterine Sarcoma. Edmonton, AB: Alberta Health Services; 2023: Clinical Practice Guideline GYNE-007 Version: 3. ​https://www.albertahealthservices.ca/info/cancerguidelines.aspx​.
  • Alektiar KM, Abu-Rustum NR, Makker V, et al. Cancer of the uterine body. Devita VT, Lawrence TS, Rosenberg SA, eds. DeVita Hellman and Rosenberg's Cancer: Principles and Practice of Oncology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2023: Kindle version, chapter 50, https://read.amazon.ca/?asin=B0BG3DPT4Q&language=en-CA.
  • Chin C. Surgery for endometrial cancer. Chi D, Berchuck A, Dizon DS, Yashar CM. Principles and Practice of Gynecologic Oncology. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2025: 5.4:133–147.
  • Hacker NF, Friedlander ML. Uterine cancer. Berek J, Hacker NF. Berek and Hacker's Gynecologic Oncology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; 2021: 10:371–420.
  • PDQ Adult Treatment Editorial Board. Uterine Sarcoma Treatment (PDQ®)–Health Professional Version. National Cancer Institute; 2022. https://www.cancer.gov/.

Your trusted source for accurate cancer information

With support from readers like you, we can continue to provide the highest quality cancer information for over 100 types of cancer.

We’re here to ensure easy access to accurate cancer information for you and the millions of people who visit this website every year. But we can’t do it alone.

Every donation helps fund reliable cancer information, compassionate support services and the most promising research. Please give today because every contribution counts. Thank you.

Medical disclaimer

The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.

We do our best to make sure that the information we provide is accurate and reliable but cannot guarantee that it is error-free or complete.

The Canadian Cancer Society is not responsible for the quality of the information or services provided by other organizations and mentioned on cancer.ca, nor do we endorse any service, product, treatment or therapy.


1-888-939-3333 | cancer.ca | © 2025 Canadian Cancer Society