OBJECTIVETo investigate whether the border-line uterine smooth-muscle tumor is different from leiomyoma or leiomyosarcoma in history and clinical manifestations.

METHODSThe medical records of 131 surgically treated patients suffering from the so-called cellular leiomyoma or mitotically active leiomyoma of the uterus treated from 1984 to 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. All pathological sections of these patients were reviewed by a senior pathologist. Chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier life table were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTSThe overall 5-year survival rate of patients with the border-line uterine smooth-muscle tumors was 100%, however, 19.1% (24/131) of whom developed a late recurrence and 8 patients had repeated recurrences with a more shortened course and aggressive potential changes of mitosis and cellular atypia. The overall 5-year survival rate the patients with recurrence was 91.7%, but only 75.0% for those with repeated recurrences.

CONCLUSIONPatients with border-line uterine smooth-muscle tumor do possess some difference in nature from the leiomyoma or leimyosarcoma. Long-term follow-up is very important for these patients after surgery.