Leiomyosarcoma – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Leiomyosarcoma is an uncommon type of cancer that develops in smooth muscle tissue. Smooth muscle exists in many parts of the body, including:
- Digestive System
- Urinary System
- Blood Vessels
- Uterus
This cancer most commonly forms in the uterus, abdomen, or leg.
Leiomyosarcoma typically begins as a cluster of cells that grow rapidly and can spread to other body parts. In the early stages, people may not notice any symptoms, with signs varying based on the cancer’s location.
Leiomyosarcoma belongs to a larger group called soft tissue sarcomas. These cancers start in the body’s connective tissues – the materials that join, support, and wrap around various structures throughout the body.
Signs and Health Problems
Leiomyosarcoma often develops without early warning signs. As this cancer grows, you might notice these symptoms:
- Pain in the affected area
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling sick to your stomach and throwing up
- A noticeable bump or swelling under your skin
Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
Symptoms may include unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain, and a feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen. Some patients report:
- Abnormal discharge
- Pain during intercourse
- Frequent urination
Abdominal or Retroperitoneal Leiomyosarcoma
These tumors can cause:
- Abdominal swelling
- Digestive problems
- Back pain
- Feeling full quickly when eating
Vascular Leiomyosarcoma
When affecting blood vessels, symptoms might include:
- Swelling in limbs
- Discoloration of skin
- Poor circulation
- Visible veins
Limb or Soft Tissue Leiomyosarcoma
Signs include:
- Growing lump that may be painful
- Limited movement in the affected area
- Skin changes over the tumor
- Weakness in the affected limb
When You Should Talk To a Healthcare Provider
If you notice any worrying symptoms, don’t wait to make an appointment with your doctor.
Causes
Leiomyosarcoma develops when changes occur in the DNA of smooth muscle cells. These cells are found throughout the body, including the digestive tract, urinary system, blood vessels, and uterus.
The exact cause of these DNA changes remains unknown. In normal cells, DNA contains instructions for proper cell growth, multiplication, and death. When DNA changes happen, these instructions become altered.
The altered DNA causes cancer cells to:
- Grow and multiply too quickly
- Survive when they should naturally die
- Form masses called tumors
These tumors can invade nearby healthy tissue and damage it. Over time, cancer cells may break away from the original tumor and travel to other parts of the body, a process called metastasis.
DNA changes in cells can happen randomly or may be influenced by environmental factors. Scientists continue to research what specifically triggers these changes in smooth muscle cells.
Risk Factors
Certain factors may increase a person’s chance of developing leiomyosarcoma:
- Age: Most common in adults, with rare occurrences in children.
- Genetic Conditions: People with hereditary retinoblastoma or Li-Fraumeni syndrome are at higher risk.
Medical researchers have not yet discovered effective prevention methods for leiomyosarcoma. The disease can occur regardless of preventive measures.
