[Leiomyosarcoma of the rectum]

The distinction between leiomyoma and high differentiated leiomyosarcoma can be difficult. The most important distinguishing feature is the number of mitoses. Additionally the tightness of the cells, the number of necroses and cell atypias and the size of the tumor are significant. The most common therapy for large and low differentiated leiomyosarcomas of the rectum are the abdomino-perineal resection or the low anterior resection. In high graded tumors of less than 2.5 cm the radicality of the surgical treatment is questioned. Some authors recommend a wide local excision, but in this case a high local recurrence rate has to be expected. This is the reason for a more radical treatment of all leiomyosarcomas of the rectum. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are generally not effective. The prognosis is poor.