Response of leiomyosarcoma to cryosurgery: clinicopathological and ultrastructural study

Two elderly patients with primary leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of the scalp were treated cryosurgically. Complete involution of both tumours with full epithelialization of the affected sites was achieved. Pretreatment biopsies and sequential biopsies obtained after treatment allowed observation of microscopical changes taking place during tumour involution. Gradual shrinkage of both LMS, closely monitored under the operating microscope, started immediately after the initial freezing. Light and electron microscopic observation of the shrinking LMS revealed a rapid disappearance of the tumoral architecture. Early accumulation of eosinophils and erythrocytes was followed by migration of lymphocytes and plasma cells. Capillary neoformation, fibroblasts and newly formed connective tissue fibres became apparent during the later stages of healing. Two years after treatment, both patients showed no signs of recurrence. These results suggest cryosurgery--performed in an extended protracted fashion--can be a valuable therapeutic choice in the management of LMS, particularly when surgical excision is not feasible.