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Diagnosis
Initial Assessment
The first steps in diagnosing Leiomyosarcoma
If your doctor suspects you may have Leiomyosarcoma, they will likely perform a physical examination and order several tests. The diagnosis process typically involves:
- Physical examination to check for any visible or palpable abnormalities
- Review of your medical history and symptoms
- Various imaging tests to identify the location and extent of the tumor
- Biopsy to confirm the diagnosis
Imaging Tests
Common imaging tests used in LMS diagnosis
X-ray
Examination of the possible area of cancer to look for tumors or to see if there is any spread beyond the cancer's origin.
CT Scan
A painless, non-invasive way to see inside the body using X-ray imaging. Creates cross-sectional images of soft tissue, organs, blood vessels, and bone that can be combined into 3-D pictures.
MRI Scan
Captures detailed images of the inside of the body using magnetic fields and radio waves.
PET/CT Scan
Combines CT imaging with a radioactive glucose solution to track cancer cells, which absorb glucose more quickly than healthy cells.
Ultrasound
Uses sound waves to create pictures of organs, veins, and arteries.
Angiogram
Uses x-ray and contrast dye injected through a catheter to check blood vessels and blood flow for blockages or leakage.
Biopsy
The definitive test for LMS diagnosis
A biopsy is necessary to confirm a diagnosis of Leiomyosarcoma. During this procedure:
- A sample of tissue is removed from the suspected tumor
- The sample is examined under a microscope by a pathologist
- Special tests may be performed on the tissue to determine the exact type of tumor
- Results help determine the grade and stage of the cancer
Treatment
Treatment Overview
Understanding your treatment options for Leiomyosarcoma
Treatment for Leiomyosarcoma typically involves a combination of approaches. Your specific treatment plan will depend on several factors, including:
- The size and location of the tumor
- Whether the cancer has spread
- Your overall health and preferences
- The grade and stage of the cancer
Treatment Options
Clinical Trials
Exploring additional treatment options
Clinical trials may provide access to new treatments that are not yet widely available. These trials:
- Test new drugs, combinations of drugs, or other treatments
- Help researchers understand which approaches work better for different patients
- May provide treatment options when standard treatments have not worked
- Contribute to the advancement of cancer treatment for future patients
Resources
Types of Leiomyosarcoma
Learn about different types of LMS and where they can occur
Leiomyosarcoma can develop in different parts of the body. Click on each type to learn more about its specific characteristics, symptoms, and treatment approaches.
Research Resources
For detailed information about genomic research in uterine sarcomas, visit:
Genomic landscape of uterine sarcomas (07/2020 – M. Hensley, MD)Medical Terms Dictionary
Understanding medical terminology
The National Cancer Institute (NCI) offers a guide to over 8,000 cancer terms. The NCI Dictionary is an easy-to-use resource that helps patients and their families better comprehend medical articles that contain unfamiliar terminology.