What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Cervical Spindle Cell Lipoma
• SCL of Uterine Cervix
• Spindle Cell Lipoma of Cervix 

What is Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix? (Definition/Background Information)

• Spindle Cell Lipoma (SCL) of Uterine Cervix is a benign, subcutaneous tumor of fat (fat cells and spindle cells) that is observed in the uterine cervix (narrow passage connecting the uterus with the vagina) of adult women
• The cause and risk factors for Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix are unknown, since it is an extremely rare type of tumor
• They usually do not cause any signs and symptoms and are often painless. In case of large tumors, it may result in pelvic pain, urination difficulties, and lower back pain
• If Spindle Cell Lipoma of Cervix is asymptomatic, then no treatment may be necessary. But, if necessary, a complete surgical excision and removal of the lipoma may be performed
• The prognosis of Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix is generally excellent, since these tumors are benign

Who gets Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Even though lipomas are very common, lipomas of cervix are very rare tumors
• Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix is an extremely rare tumor that may be found in adult women
• There is no racial or ethnic preference observed

What are the Risk Factors for Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix? (Predisposing Factors)

• The risk factors for Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix are currently unknown

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix? (Etiology)

• The exact cause and mechanism of Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix formation is unknown
• Chromosomal abnormalities, such as rearrangements and deletion of chromosomes, have been noted in some subtypes of lipomas

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix?

The signs and symptoms of Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix may include:

• The presence of a slow-growing tumor in the cervix
• The tumor is well-circumscribed and does not cause any pain
• Large tumors may result in the following symptoms:
  • Pain in the pelvic region
  • Enlargement of lower abdomen
  • Frequent urination due to compression/pressure of the tumor
  • Lower back pain
• Pain during sexual intercourse

Some tumors may not present any signs or symptoms other than show the presence of a mass.

How is Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix Diagnosed?

Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix is diagnosed using the following tools:

• Complete physical (pelvic) examination with thorough evaluation of medical history
• Ultrasound scan of the pelvis: It is a noninvasive procedure that uses high frequency sound waves to produce real-time images
• Abdominal and pelvic CT scan: It is a noninvasive procedure that provides more details of soft tissues, blood vessels, and internal organs
• Pelvic MRI scan: It is a noninvasive medical test that uses a powerful magnetic field to produce images of soft tissues, bones, organs, and all other internal structures of the abdomen and pelvis
• Hysteroscopy: This procedure involves placing a probe through the cervix to examine the cavity of the uterus. This exam is helpful in detecting submucosal leiomyomas
• Hysterosalpingography: It is usually performed in individuals with infertility. In this procedure, the structure of the uterus and fallopian tubes are studied by using a dye and X-ray images
• Needle biopsy of tumor: A needle biopsy may not be helpful, because one may not be able to visualize the different morphological areas of the tumor. Hence, a needle biopsy as a diagnostic tool has certain limitations, and an open surgical biopsy is preferred
• Open biopsy of tumor: A tissue biopsy is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination, who examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis
• Differential diagnosis, to eliminate other tumor types is considered, before arriving at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix?

Generally, there are no significant complications due to Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix. However, in some cases the following may be observed:

• Stress and anxiety due to fear of cancer in the cervix
• The presence of the tumor can lead to painful sexual intercourse
• Fertility issues due to mechanical obstruction of the cervix: Blockage of the cervical canal opening can obstruct easy passage of the sperms
• Recurrence of the tumor due to its partial or incomplete surgical removal
• Post-surgical infection at the wound site is a potential complication

How is Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix Treated?

Treatment measures for Spindle Cell Lipoma of Cervix include the following:

• The healthcare provider may recommend a ‘wait and watch’ approach for small-sized tumors that do not cause any significant signs and symptoms, following a diagnosis of a lipoma is established
• However, periodic observation is maintained and if there is any pain, it can be controlled through pain medication
• Surgical intervention with complete excision can result in a complete cure. It can also help reduce the chances of tumor recurrence
  • The tumor is surgically removed while preserving the uterus in women, who wish to bear children
  • For large-sized tumors and in women whose ‘family is completed’, a hysterectomy (partial or complete removal of the uterus) may be considered, when necessary
• Post-operative follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important, especially to monitor for any recurrences

How can Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix.

What is the Prognosis of Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Spindle Cell Lipomas of Uterine Cervix are generally asymptomatic and in many cases, these tumors may not require any significant treatment
• The prognosis is generally excellent when the tumors are small (and few in numbers) and are completely excised

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Spindle Cell Lipoma of Uterine Cervix:

There are many histological subtypes of lipomas and all subtypes are benign tumors. The lipoma subtype is usually diagnosed on a microscopic examination of the tumor sample by a pathologist and is mentioned on the pathology report.