Clinicopathological study of primary superficial leiomyosarcomas

Primary superficial leiomyosarcomas (PSL) are rare malignant lesions that are subdivided into cutaneous and subcutaneous tumors. Primary cutaneous and subcutaneous leiomyosarcomas differ not only as to primary site of origins, but also to differences in prognosis. Guidelines for management and follow-up are not clearly defined in the literature.

Retrospective review was conducted from the patient's chart between January 2000 and December 2009. Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and clinical and surgical records were reviewed.

The authors found five cases of PSL and divided them into two cases of cutaneous leiomyosarcomas and three cases ofsubcutaneous leiomyosarcomas. Overall, mean age of the patients was 42.4 years, male: female ratio was 4:1. Clinical presentations were painless mass. Wide excisions were performed in three cases with 2 cm margins. No local recurrence was found in the period of follow-up (6 months to 3 years). One case presented with bony metastasis five years after operation.

PSL are rare tumors. Surgical resection remains the main option for curative treatment. Wide excision with at least 2 cm peripheral margins and a depth that includes subcutaneous tissue and fascia are recommended. The natural history of these tumors is not clearly defined. All patients should be followed-up for a period of at least five years after treatments. The authors hoped that further study of these tumors would result in better treatments and follow-up guidelines to be a benefit to such patients in the future.