Approximately 15,000 people are diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma each year. Leiomyosarcoma is one subtype of this cancer, which develops from smooth muscle cells and forms a tumor or mass that grows rapidly. The symptoms of leiomyosarcoma vary depending on where the tumor is located and how far it has spread.
A biopsy is used to determine the type of cancer a patient has and guide treatment. A doctor will use a needle to remove a small piece of the tumor, which is then examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine the best course of action.
Leiomyosarcoma can form in different parts of the body, but most often affects the uterus or other muscles around the uterus. Patients with this cancer can experience a variety of symptoms, including abnormal uterine bleeding and abdominal pain.
Surgical removal is the primary form of treatment for leiomyosarcoma, and can be done with or without radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is a type of cancer treatment that uses high doses of radiation to destroy tumors and shrink them before surgery. It can also be used after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells.
If the uterus is involved, it may be necessary to perform a hysterectomy or myomectomy as part of treatment for leiomyosarcoma. This is usually done by a gynecologist, who can also remove the ovaries and fallopian tubes if needed. The use of a tool called a morcellator can be helpful during this procedure, as it makes the procedure less invasive and easier on the patient.
In some cases, leiomyosarcoma can grow in the blood vessels of the body and lead to complications. Vascular leiomyosarcoma typically occurs in large veins, especially the vena cava, which carries oxygen-depleted blood from the lower body back to the heart. The vascular form of the disease is more likely to metastasize than other forms of leiomyosarcoma, so it’s important to see a specialist if this symptom develops.
Other types of leiomyosarcoma can develop in the muscles around the eyes and in the skin (cutaneous leiomyosarcoma) or inside the lungs (pulmonary leiomyosarcoma). These conditions are more likely to be fatal than other forms of the disease. Children with AIDS or who are receiving immunosuppression therapy for solid organ transplantation are at increased risk for developing these conditions.
Chemotherapy is another treatment option for leiomyosarcoma. Medicine is given in a pill to kill cancer cells and reduce the risk of the tumor coming back after surgery or radiation. Several chemotherapy drugs have been effective in treating leiomyosarcoma, but more research is needed to develop better treatments for this disease. Taking part in a clinical trial that tests new medications can be an excellent way for patients to try out different treatments and find the ones that work best for them. This can also help improve the outcomes of future trials. Symptoms of leiomyosarcoma typically disappear after treatment is completed, but patients must see their doctors for regular checkups to ensure that the cancer doesn’t return.
