Incidence patterns of gynecological sarcomas in Iran analysis of National Cancer Registry data between 2009 and 2014

Aim: Gynecological sarcomas (GS) are rare malignant tumors arising in the female genital organs. Due to the low incidence and diverse histology, information on the epidemiology of these tumors is sparse. We aimed to investigate the incidence rates of GS in Iran that in our knowledge is the first report from Eastern Mediterranean Region.

Methods: In this retrospective study, all malignant tumors with a sarcoma morphology arising in the female genital organs diagnosed between 2009 and 2014 were extracted from the Iran National Cancer Registry dataset. All the cancer cases were categorized according to ICD-O-3 morphologic and topographic codes. Age-standardized incidence rates, age-specific incidence rates, morphologic and geographic distribution of all cases were analyzed and compared with other parts of the world.

Results: A total of 1174 cases were diagnosed over the period 2009-2014. The overall age-standardized incidence rate for all sites combined was 6.13 per million females. Analysis of trends in incidence did not show a significant change over time according to annual average percent change analysis (P-value = 0.300). The most common anatomical site was the uterus, accounting for 77% of all cases. The mean (±SD) age at diagnosis, irrespective of tumor site, was 52.3 (±15) years. In terms of morphology, leiomyosarcoma was the most frequently observed subtype, constituting 34% of all GS. Also, the highest ASIR was observed in women aged 60-64 years.

Conclusion: Based on the findings, GS are relatively rare tumors that occur more in old women. The results of this study provide a comprehensive picture of GS incidence patterns in Iran for more investigation.

Keywords: Iran; gynecological sarcoma; incidence.