Soft-tissue Leiomyoma in a Rare Location: The Achilles Tendon

Benign soft-tissue tumors are found in the foot and ankle region rarely, depicting <8%, namely, giant cell tumors, lipomas, or even leiomyomas. Leiomyomas are benign mesenchymal tumors composed of well-differentiated smooth muscle cells, most commonly found in the uterus, gastrointestinal tract, and skin.

This report highlights a very rare case of a leiomyoma located adjacent to the Achilles tendon in a middle-aged woman, ultimately leading to painful movement.

It reinforces the importance of considering a wide variety of differentials for diagnosis of ankle and heel masses, particularly when imaging shows a benign-appearing, non-invasive lesion. It is imperative to go step by step in radiology and histological examination to prevent a misdiagnosis. Awareness, along with coordination among clinicians, radiologists, and pathologists, can lead to earlier diagnosis and avoid unnecessary anxiety or overtreatment.