Leiomyosarcomas

Leiomyosarcomas are extremely rare malignant neoplasms that originate from smooth muscle cells and may be considered the malignant counterpart of a leiomyoma. They are classified as a soft tissue tumor and account for ~8% of malignant soft tissue tumors .

Pathology

Location 

Leiomyosarcomas can potentially occur anywhere where there is smooth muscle. Commonly described sites include the following:

Other sites include

Radiographic features

Morphological imaging features would be invariably dependent on the site (refer to individual articles). Generally, they tend to be large masses, especially with abdominopelvic lesions.

CT
  • generally heterogeneous
  • commonly demonstrate central low attenuation representing necrosis
  • calcification exceedingly rare
MRI

The tumor frequently demonstrates cystic foci. Signal characteristics include

  • T1: isointense to muscle
  • T2 non-fat suppressed: intermediate to hypointense to neighboring fat
  • T2 FS: predominantly hyperintense

Differential diagnosis

For a meaningful differential, it is necessary to consider site-specific tumors.

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