Primary leiomyosarcoma of the posterior mediastinum — A case report

Abstract

Primary leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is an extremely rare tumour, which usually develops in the oesophagus or great vessels. Very few cases have been reported of LMS developing from small vessels of the soft tissues of the posterior mediastinum. We report a 43-year-old woman who presented with a large posterior mediastinal tumour. The tumour was surgically removed via right thoracotomy and the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma was established. At operation no continuity was found between the tumour and neighbouring structures. This rare and interesting histopathology is discussed and the literature reviewed.