What is Cancer Leiomyosarcoma?
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a type of rare cancer called sarcoma. Sarcoma accounts for only 1 percent of all cancer in adults. Sarcoma occurs in the connective tissues, such as muscles, bones and nerves. Sarcoma is subdivided into different kinds, based on where the cancer occurs. Leiomyosarcoma arises in smooth muscle tissue. Smooth (or involuntary) muscles can be found all over the body, including the walls of blood vessels. LMS is most common in the pelvic and abdominal areas, followed by the arms and legs. What works for one kind of cancer may not work for another. For example, the best treatment for another kind of uterine cancer may not work well for uterine LMS. There are different kinds of uterine sarcoma. Not all are leiomyosarcoma. Because of its rarity, many cancer doctors even gynecological oncologists see few cases of LMS. They may not know the best current treatments. Many patients seek treatment, or at least a second opinion, from a sarcoma specialist. Major sarcoma centers