Leiomyosarcoma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer involving the smooth muscles such as the lungs, liver, stomach or intestines. Although the cause is unknown, risk factors may include age, heredity and past exposure to chemicals such as herbicides and industrial pollutants.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include a painless swelling or lump under the skin. If the cancer is more advanced, there may be weight loss and pain as the tumor expands against the surrounding muscles and nerves.
Diagnosis
A biopsy will be necessary to determine the prognosis for the cancer. The pathologist will examine the tissue taken and determine what type and grade the cancer is. Age and general health will also be taken into consideration.
Stages
The stages range from 1A to 4, Stage 1A being the smallest low-grade tumor. Stage 4 is the most aggressive, with the tumor spreading to surrounding tissue.
Treatment
Surgery to remove the tumor has the best outcome. Chemotherapy and radiation may also be used, however, this cancer is not very responsive to either treatment. Drugs used to disrupt or inhibit growth of tumor cells may also be used, and with milder side effects.
Prognosis
Prognosis depends on the size and stage of the cancer. Discovered early, a 90 percent survival rate of five years is possible. Tumors discovered later have a poorer prognosis as these cells most likely have metastasized. Age and general health also determine survival rate.
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