[Cutaneous and subcutaneous primary leiomyosarcoma: A retrospective cohort of 26 cases examining clinical data and treatments].

BACKGROUND

Superficial leiomyosarcoma is a rare malignant soft tissue tumor arising from smooth muscle cells, accounting for 2-3% of superficial sarcomas, with limited literature available on the subject. It is typically observed in patients aged 50-60 years and affects both men and women equally in the subcutaneous subtype, whereas the cutaneous subtype predominantly affects men.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to examine the clinicopathological features and therapeutic outcomes of patients with leiomyosarcoma.

METHOD: This is a descriptive retrospective study of 26 cases of cutaneous and subcutaneous leiomyosarcomas, with histological confirmation.

RESULTS

We identified 10 (38.5%) subcutaneous leiomyosarcomas and 16 (61.5%) cutaneous leiomyosarcomas. The majority of tumors were located in the lower limbs, accounting for 13 (50%) cases. During follow-up, 6 patients experienced recurrence, and 7 developed metastases, including 2 of the 7 patients who had R0 resection margins. Among these, 3 out of the 6 recurrent cases and 3 out of the 7 metastatic cases were subcutaneous leiomyosarcomas. The average time to recurrence was 6.2 years.

CONCLUSION

The observed risk of metastases and recurrences, despite clear surgical margins, in both cutaneous and subcutaneous leiomyosarcomas, along with the delayed onset of these events, justifies prolonged patient follow-up. The lungs, bones and liver have been identified as the most common site of metastasis.