Leiomyosarcoma

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an aggressive, rare type of cancer that forms in smooth, involuntary muscles. Smooth muscles are distinct from skeletal muscles, which we use to move our bodies. Smooth muscle tissue can be found in several areas of your body, including your urinary system, digestive system, uterus and blood vessels. Leiomyosarcoma is considered a soft tissue sarcoma.

What are the different types of leiomyosarcoma?

There are three different types of leiomyosarcoma. These include:

• Somatic soft tissue LMS. This type of leiomyosarcoma affects your body’s connective tissue. It’s the most common form of LMS.
• Cutaneous or subcutaneous LMS. A rare type of leiomyosarcoma, cutaneous or subcutaneous LMS affects the piloerector muscles in the skin. (The piloerector muscles are located in your skin and eyes. They’re responsible for giving you goosebumps and making your pupils dilate.)
• LMS of a vascular origin. The rarest type of leiomyosarcoma, LMS of a vascular origin develops in a major blood vessel, such as the pulmonary artery, inferior vena cava or peripheral arteries.

Who does leiomyosarcoma affect?

Leiomyosarcoma affects men and women, but it occurs more often in women. Though the condition can develop in people of any age, it’s more common in people over the age of 50.

How common is leiomyosarcoma?

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 15,000 people are diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma every year. Leiomyosarcoma accounts for 10% to 20% of those cases. In the United States, there are about 1.4 leiomyosarcoma cases for every 100,000 people.

How fast does leiomyosarcoma grow?

Leiomyosarcoma is aggressive. It grows quickly and can double in size in as little as one month. For this reason, prompt treatment is necessary.

What’s the difference between leiomyosarcoma and leiomyoma?

Leiomyomas are benign (non-cancerous) fibroids that occur in the smooth muscles. While they can be problematic, leiomyomas don’t spread to other areas of the body. However, leiomyosarcomas are cancer and can spread throughout the body.