Leiomyosarcoma Symptoms

One of the cancers that can attack the involuntary muscles of the body is known as leiomyosarcoma. To diagnose this condition, a doctor will use a blood test, a biopsy of potentially cancerous tissue and an imaging test such as an MRI or CT scan to find the exact location of the tumors. Since leiomyosarcoma can strike in many different parts of the body at the same time, diagnosing the condition can take some time.

Identification

• There are several different kinds of cancers, and one of the more aggressive forms of cancer is called sarcoma. A sarcoma cancer attacks the body's connective tissue such as muscles and bone. One form of sarcoma is called leiomyosarcoma, which is a cancer that affects the smooth muscle tissue in the body. The smooth muscles are the ones involved in involuntary bodily functions, such as digestion and breathing.

Effects

• Smooth muscle cells are found all over the body, so leiomyosarcoma can occur in any part of the body. It is most commonly found in the digestive system and the lungs. Since it attacks the soft tissue, it may take some time to show symptoms because the soft muscle tissue is able to move and accommodate the tumors easier than most other forms of muscle. Some of the early symptoms of leiomyosarcoma include a hard but painless lump that could be found anywhere on the body, an aching pain caused by the compression of muscle tissue or nerves and difficulty in walking or using the arms.

Potential

• Advanced symptoms of leiomyosarcoma include abdominal cramps and bloating that can be extremely painful at times and an increase in the size of the lumps that were found in the early stages. Women who are pre-menopausal will experience spotting of blood from the vagina that is unexpected and not part of the menstrual cycle, and women that are post-menopausal may also notice vaginal bleeding.

Prevention/Solution

• To treat leiomyosarcoma, a doctor will normally remove the tumor or tumors. There may also be follow-up chemotherapy medication and radiation therapy to help stop the spread of potentially cancerous cells. A doctor may use radiation therapy or chemotherapy medication prior to surgery as well to try and get the cancerous cells under control and reduce the size of the tumor or tumors. If surgery is done on cancerous cells that are spreading quickly then this surgery may agitate the cells even more and cause them to spread quicker.

Considerations

• A diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma can be a strong emotional event for a person. Along with medical treatment it may be a good idea to also seek out emotional therapy as well. In many cases, the hospital will be able to get a person in touch with support groups and counselors that can help.