Leiomyosarcoma

Diagnosis

To diagnose leiomyosarcoma, a healthcare professional usually begins with a physical exam to understand symptoms and identify any areas of concern. Additional tests such as imaging and a biopsy help confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the condition.

Physical exam

A healthcare professional may ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also examine your body to check for swelling, lumps, or other unusual changes under the skin.

Imaging tests

Imaging tests create detailed pictures of the inside of the body. These images help the healthcare team understand the size and location of the leiomyosarcoma. Imaging options may include:

• MRI

• CT scan

• Positron emission tomography scan, also called a PET scan

Biopsy

A biopsy involves removing a small sample of tissue for laboratory testing. The method used to collect the biopsy depends on where the tumor is located. For leiomyosarcoma, a needle biopsy is commonly used. The needle is inserted through the skin to remove a tissue sample.

The sample is sent to a lab to determine whether cancer cells are present. Because the biopsy must be performed carefully to avoid affecting future surgery, it is best done at a medical center experienced in treating leiomyosarcoma. Skilled healthcare teams choose the safest and most effective biopsy method.

Treatment

Treatment for leiomyosarcoma depends on the tumor’s location, size, and whether it has spread. Your overall health and personal treatment preferences also guide the treatment plan.

Surgery

The main goal of surgery is to remove all of the leiomyosarcoma. If the tumor is too large or involves nearby organs, complete removal may not be possible. In such cases, the surgeon may remove as much of the cancer as safely possible.

Radiation therapy

Radiation therapy uses powerful beams of energy, such as X-rays or protons, to destroy cancer cells. It may be used before, after, or during surgery. Radiation can target cancer cells that could not be removed during surgery and may also be an option when surgery is not possible.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses strong medicines, usually given through a vein, to treat cancer. It may be recommended after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer returning. Chemotherapy is also used to manage cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Targeted therapy

Targeted therapy uses medicines designed to attack specific molecules within cancer cells. By blocking these molecules, targeted treatments can help destroy cancer cells. This option may be considered for leiomyosarcoma that is large or has spread. Testing the tumor cells can show whether targeted therapy may be effective.