Leiomyosarcoma is a rare cancer that grows in the smooth muscles, like those found in your stomach, bladder, uterus, intestines and blood vessels. Treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy or surgery.
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.
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There are three different types of leiomyosarcoma. These include:
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.
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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.
Leiomyosarcoma is aggressive. It grows quickly and can double in size in as little as one month. For this reason, prompt treatment is necessary.
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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.
People may have varying symptoms depending on how big the tumor is and where it’s located. Some people don’t experience symptoms early on, but may notice certain signs as the tumor grows, such as:
Leiomyosarcoma in your digestive system may cause:
Uterine leiomyosarcoma can cause:
Experts aren’t exactly sure what causes leiomyosarcoma. It could be hereditary (meaning you inherited altered genes from your parents), or it could be because your own genes changed, causing cells to grow out of control. Leiomyosarcoma may also occur due to:
Leiomyosarcoma travels through your bloodstream. The cancer can then spread to any soft tissue in your body including your lungs.
If you have symptoms concerning for leiomyosarcoma, you healthcare provider will order some tests. These may include:
Leiomyosarcoma treatment depends on the location and size of the tumor. Your healthcare provider may recommend:
People who are undergoing leiomyosarcoma treatment may experience side effects. Specific side effects depend on the type of treatment you receive:
Recovery times can vary drastically depending on several factors, including which type of treatment you receive and your body’s healing capacity. It could take several weeks to several months to fully recover. Even after you’re feeling better, you’ll still need regular checkups to monitor your health and reduce the risk of cancer returning.
Currently, there’s no known way to prevent leiomyosarcoma. But you can reduce your risk by avoiding risk factors whenever possible. Known leiomyosarcoma risk factors include:
Yes. Leiomyosarcoma can be cured, especially when detected and treated early on. If discovered in the later stages, treatment is more complicated.
Leiomyosarcoma can spread quickly because it’s hard to detect in the early stages. Sometimes symptoms don’t occur until the disease has progressed. However, if leiomyosarcoma is detected and treated in the early stages, full recovery is possible.
If you’re undergoing treatment for leiomyosarcoma, call your healthcare provider at the first sign of troubling symptoms. For example, if you notice any changes to your tumor — or if you develop severe pain, sudden weight changes or other symptoms — prompt care is needed.
If you’ve been diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, it’s important to talk with your healthcare provider about your treatment process. This can empower you and help you take control of your health. Here are some questions you may want to ask:
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Being diagnosed with any type of cancer can be scary, saddening and even frustrating. Fortunately, there are resources that can help. In addition to talking with your medical team, you may want to consider joining a support group for people with leiomyosarcoma. Talking with others who are going through the same thing can be an invaluable benefit as you begin your journey.
Last reviewed on 11/08/2021.
Learn more about the Health Library and our editorial process.
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Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy