Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Author Spotlight: Genetically Engineered Mouse Models and Pathological Characterization of Neurofibromatosis Type 1 Associated Tumors
Published on: May 17, 2024
Cutaneous Smooth Muscle Tumors: A Clinicopathological Study Focusing on the Under-Recognized Histological Features
Asuman Kilitci1, Ömer Faruk Elmas
1Department of Pathology, Ahi Evran University School of Medicine, KIRŞEHIR, TURKEY.
Objective:
Cutaneous smooth muscle tumors represent a rare group of cutaneous lesions including piloleiomyoma, angioleiomyoma, genital leiomyoma, smooth muscle hamartoma, and leiomyosarcoma. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the clinical and pathological characteristics of CSMTs, focusing on the rare and unspecified histological features.
Material And Method:
The clinical, demographic and histological findings of the patients with CSMTs were reviewed and evaluated retrospectively. The histopathological sections were re-evaluated for all cases.
Results:
A total of 32 patients with CSMTs were enrolled. The majority were female (n=20). The most common tumor diagnosed was angioleiomyoma (n=19, 59.4%) followed by piloleiomyoma (n=8, 25%), smooth muscle hamartoma (n=2, 6.3%), leiomyosarcoma (n=2, 6.3%), and genital leiomyoma (n=1, 3%). Five lesions were painful and only 3 specimens were submitted with the preliminary diagnosis of a cutaneous smooth muscle tumor.
Conclusion:
There are very few studies investigating both clinical and histological characteristics of CSMTs in detail. Along with the classical histological clues, evaluation of the clinical findings and less-defined histological features may enhance the diagnostic accuracy. To the best of our knowledge, this study represents the first original study focusing on the clinical and pathological aspects of CSMTs in our country.
Insights
This study reviewed 32 cutaneous smooth muscle tumors (CSMTs), finding angioleiomyoma most common. Clinical and pathological evaluation aids CSMT diagnosis, especially for rare types.
Area of Science:
- Dermatopathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cutaneous smooth muscle tumors (CSMTs) encompass diverse lesions like piloleiomyoma, angioleiomyoma, and leiomyosarcoma.
- Detailed clinical and pathological characterization of CSMTs is limited in existing literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical and pathological features of cutaneous smooth muscle tumors.
- To focus on rare and unspecified histological characteristics for improved diagnostic accuracy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical, demographic, and histological findings for 32 patients with CSMTs.
- Re-evaluation of histopathological sections for all enrolled cases.
Main Results:
- Angioleiomyoma was the most frequent CSMT (59.4%), followed by piloleiomyoma (25%).
- Other diagnoses included smooth muscle hamartoma (6.3%), leiomyosarcoma (6.3%), and genital leiomyoma (3%).
- Pain was reported in five lesions, and only three specimens initially suggested CSMT.
Conclusions:
- Few studies comprehensively investigate CSMT clinical and histological aspects.
- Integrating clinical findings with detailed histological evaluation, including less-defined features, can enhance diagnostic accuracy.
- This study is the first original research on CSMT clinical and pathological features in the region.
