[Leiomyosarcoma of the submandibular gland].

INTRODUCTION

A leiomyosarcoma is a malignant tumor of the smooth muscle. Its malignancy is difficult to assess. Submandibular gland involvement is extremely rare.

OBSERVATION: A 62-year-old patient was admitted with a primary leiomyosarcoma of the submandibular gland. He was treated by surgery and radiotherapy. The patient died 11 months later from pulmonary metastases.

DISCUSSION: LMS of the submandibular gland is extremely rare. Its diagnosis is very difficult because of the non-specific clinical and radiological signs. The histological diagnosis often relies on immunohistochemistry. Treatment is based on surgery associated to radiotherapy. The prognosis remains poor because of frequent recurrence and metastases.