Positron emission tomography in detection of metastatic leiomyosarcoma in a postoperative patient: a case report

David B Engle,Linda M Smiley,Greg P Wellman,Scott L Baum

doi:10.17077/2154-4751.1111

Abstract

In leiomyosarcoma (LMS) abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common reported symptom in patients (56%), followed by pelvic mass (54%), and pain (22%). LMS is often hard to diagnosis on a uterine biopsy because it does not originate in the endometrium and may not invade into the cavity. Non-specific symptoms as well as difficulty in diagnosis being made by biopsy, means that many LMS tumors are often mistaken for fibroids preoperatively. To our knowledge this is the only reported case of FDG-PET being used in the postoperative evaluation of a patient with LMS and a suspicious lung mass. Our case shows there may be a place for PET scans in the post-op surveillance of LMS. This method would be ideally suited, considering the metastatic spread pattern of LMS.

Highlights

In leiomyosarcoma (LMS) abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common reported symptom in patients (56%), followed by pelvic mass (54%), and pain (22%).[1]
While routine pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomies are controversial in LMS, it may be required in certain circumstances
Leiomyosarcoma is a rare tumor that accounts for only 1% of all uterine malignancies.[1]

Summary

Introduction

In leiomyosarcoma (LMS) abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common reported symptom in patients (56%), followed by pelvic mass (54%), and pain (22%).[1]. In leiomyosarcoma (LMS) abnormal vaginal bleeding is the most common reported symptom in patients (56%), followed by pelvic mass (54%), and pain (22%).[1] LMS is often hard to diagnosis on a uterine biopsy because it does not originate in the endometrium and may not invade into the cavity. Towards a Positron Emission Tomography in detection of metastatic leiomyosarcoma in a postoperative patient: a case report. Leiomyosarcoma is a rare tumor that accounts for only 1% of all uterine malignancies.[1] In the past it was believed to be the most common uterine sarcoma; a more recent report shows that it is second behind mixed mesodermal stromal sarcoma which accounts for 66% of uterine sarcomas.[3] LMS can arise from either the smooth muscle cells of the myometrium or from within a leiomyomata (fibroid) itself .3

Results

Conclusion