Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata

Leiomyomatosis peritonealis disseminata (LPD) is a rare condition characterized by multiple subperitoneal spread of nodules, giving the clinical impression of a widespread malignant tumor. The histopathology of LPD is that of a benign leiomyoma, probably originating from the multipotent subcoelomic mesenchymal cells. Two new case reports are presented here, suggesting that some cases of LPD are wrongly classified as metastasizing leiomyosarcoma. As the prognosis in LPD is favorable, it is of great importance to establish the correct diagnosis. When both the pathologist and the clinician become aware of the multipotentiality of the mesothelium and the adjacent stroma and thereby the multifocal character of the lesions, some of the diagnostic problems might be overcome.