Dr. Francisco Bengoa
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Soft-tissue tumors

Leiomyosarcoma

Soft tissueMalignant / sarcomaSmooth muscle tumours

Epidemiology

It mainly affects middle-aged and older adults; it can arise from smooth muscle or blood vessels. Its relationship to the blood vessels changes how the surgery is planned.

Basic features

It can appear in the limbs, pelvis, or chest wall; the grade, depth, and site modify the risk.

Usual treatment

Wide resection when possible, radiotherapy in selected settings, and systemic treatment if there is advanced disease.

Outcomes and prognosis

It carries a risk of metastasis, especially to the lungs and liver. In soft-tissue leiomyosarcomas of the limb, the prognosis depends mainly on the grade and the size; follow-up aims to detect recurrence early.

Warning signs

These signs do not necessarily mean cancer, but they warrant evaluation before operating on or needling a mass.

  • A soft-tissue mass that grows, is larger than 5 cm, or is deep.
  • Persistent, night-time or progressive bone pain, especially if it limits activity.
  • A fracture from minimal trauma, or an aggressive bone lesion on an X-ray.
  • A lump that comes back after previous surgery.
  • Neurological symptoms, rapid swelling, or pain associated with a mass.

This information is general and does not replace a medical evaluation. A musculoskeletal tumor must be interpreted together with imaging, physical examination, biopsy when appropriate and each patient's context.

Specialist evaluation

If you have a mass, a bone lesion or a report suggesting a tumor, book an evaluation.

Book an appointment