ABC Medical Center > Diseases > Leiomyosarcoma

What is leiomyosarcoma?

21 November 2025

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare but highly aggressive type of cancer where abnormal cells multiply in the tissue of smooth muscles. These are the muscles that form various organs, including the uterus, and the vascular, urinary, and digestive systems.

LMS typically originates in the uterus and stomach, creating tumors that can spread to other areas of the body.

Leiomyosarcomas are classified by their location:

  • Connective Tissue: This is the most common type. It usually appears in the uterus and digestive system. The tumors tend to be larger and more aggressive.
  • Cutaneous: This type primarily affects men and arises in small subcutaneous blood vessels.
  • Vascular: This is a rare type that tends to affect large blood vessels like the pulmonary artery and vena cava.
  • Bone: This type is extremely rare and of metastatic origin. When it appears, it does so in long bones.

Signs and symptoms Leiomyosarcoma

The symptoms depend on where the cancer originated and how advanced it is, but they often include:

  • Pain.
  • Swelling.
  • A growing lump that can be felt by touch.
  • Unexplained weight loss.

Diagnosis and treatment Leiomyosarcoma

After reviewing your symptoms and medical history, your doctor will perform a physical exam and order various tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
  • Computed tomography (CT) scan.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
  • Tissue biopsy.

The treatment plan is determined by the tumor’s location, size, and whether it has spread. Generally, it includes:

  • Partial or total surgical removal of the tumor.
  • Chemotherapy sessions.
  • Radiation therapy sessions.
  • Targeted drug therapy.

Since its opening in 2009, our Cancer Center has offered chemotherapy and radiation treatments that are on par with the best medical centers in the world. We provide an integrated care model for our oncology patients.

Related centers and departments Leiomyosarcoma

Cancer Center
High Specialty Surgery Center
Radiology and Molecular Imaging
Clinical Laboratory

Fuentes:

  • sarcomahelp.org
  • cancer.org
  • cancer.net
  • cancer.gov
  • cun.es
  • topdoctors.es
  • mayoclinic.org
  • medigraphic.com
  • Dornes RR, Vázquez MY, Abreu FN. Diagnóstico ecográfico de leiomiosarcoma paratesticular con microlitiasis testicular. Presentación de un caso. Mediciego. 2012;18(Suppl: 2):.
  • Camarena H, Cantellano M, Reyes M, et al. Leiomiosarcoma adrenal primario. Presentación de un caso y revisión de la literatura. Rev Mex Urol. 2007;67(3):160-164.
  • Rodríguez PR, Jiménez ÁR, Viera HE. Leiomiosarcoma de epidídimo. RCU. 2019;8(3):244-250.
  • Sastre I, España M, Ceballos R, et al. Leiomiosarcoma pulmonar. Rev Mex Cir Torac Gen. 2020;1(3):105-107. doi:10.35366/101480.

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