
For cancer survivors, the recurrence of cancer is the biggest worry. Though the doctor will regularly scan you for any suspicious symptom, any tumor can recur in the body. Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) or soft tissue sarcoma is no exception.
LMS has the highest chance of recurrence approximately two years after diagnosis. The chances of recurrence thereafter are present, but they are less than they are in the first two years.
There are a few things a leiomyosarcoma (LMS) survivor should know about recurrence, including
- Leiomyosarcoma can recur at three places
- Local (in or near the same site started)
- Distant (spread to other tissue or organs)
- Regional (spread to nearby tissues, such as lymph nodes)
- Treatment options may vary based on the exact location of the recurrence.
- Always screen for a new lump at the surgical site. If you detect any lump or changes in your skin at the site of your first tumor, immediately consult your physician.
- Most of the sarcoma recurs in the first two years after diagnosis. However, some cancers can recur many years later. Long-term follow-ups with your doctor are essential.
- Metastatic sarcoma or distant sarcoma mostly recurs in the lungs. If you are at a high risk of developing metastatic carcinoma, it is better to get routine chest X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans done.
- You may want to consider a clinical trial for an advanced sarcoma recurrence. By participating in clinical trials, you may get access to a revolutionary treatment long before it is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Anxiety about sarcoma recurrence is normal. However, it is crucial to cope with stress well.
- The second time may not be as stressful as the first time because you have been through a lot already. These experiences have enriched your knowledge about cancer and the ways to cope with it.
What is leiomyosarcoma?
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a malignant tumor that starts in the smooth muscle cells. It is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that tends to grow fast if it is not treated quickly.
Smooth muscle is a type of involuntary muscle that reacts involuntarily in response to various stimuli. Some functions of smooth muscles include
- Smooth muscle that lines the walls of the digestive tract helps peristalsis, which helps to transport food.
- Smooth muscle in the skin causes goosebumps to form in response to cold.
- Smooth muscle in the salivary glands causes the glands to secrete saliva in response to taking a bite of food.
Smooth muscle is found almost everywhere in the body. Hence, leiomyosarcoma (LMS) can form almost anywhere, including
- Blood vessels
- Heart
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Genitourinary system
- Gastrointestinal tract
- Retroperitoneum (the space behind the abdominal cavity)
- Uterus (the most common site of LMS)
- Skin
LMS is classified under soft tissue sarcoma. Sarcomas are cancerous tumors that start from the connective tissue, which connects, supports and surrounds several structures and organs. Soft tissue includes
- Fat
- Muscle
- Nerves
- Tendons
- Blood and lymph vessels
What are the treatment options for leiomyosarcoma recurrence?
There are two options for recurrent leiomyosarcoma (LMS)
- Local LMS can be treated with surgery or radiation therapy, especially if radiation was not a part of the initial tumor treatment.
- Distant LMS can be treated with chemo or targeted therapy. Surgery is recommended if cancer has spread to the lungs.

SLIDESHOW
Skin Cancer Symptoms, Types, Images See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
National Organization for Rare Disorders
American Cancer Society
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Top Does Leiomyosarcoma Come Back Related Articles
Can Leiomyosarcoma Be Hereditary?
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a malignant tumor that originates in smooth muscle cells. Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is not hereditary, which means it does not run in families. However, LMS can be part of many genetic syndromes that can be inherited.Cancer 101 Slideshow
Learn the basics about cancer including types, causes, how it spreads, symptoms and signs, stages and treatment options. Read about the common type of cancers.Does Leiomyosarcoma Run in Families?
Research shows that leiomyosarcoma is the result of cell deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) mutations. However, what causes that mutation is not entirely known. They suspect this gene mutation could be inherited from a parent/family.How Do You Get Leiomyosarcoma?
Leiomyosarcoma is a rare type of soft tissue cancer that occurs in the smooth lining of the organs anywhere in the body. Nearly 15,000 people in the United States get diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma. Out of these, leiomyosarcoma accounts for only 7-10% of them. It is most common in the abdomen, followed by the skin and the blood vessels.How Fast Does Leiomyosarcoma Grow?
Leiomyosarcoma is a rare but aggressive type of cancer. It can grow fast and may even double in size in as little as four weeks.What Color Is Leiomyosarcoma
Cancer ribbons are simple loops of ribbon that people wear like badges to show their support for people who have cancer or to spread awareness about the disease. There are many different types of cancer ribbons, each with its own symbolic color.Why Is Leiomyosarcoma So Deadly?
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare type of malignant (cancerous) tumor that arises from the smooth muscle cells. Smooth muscle cells are the muscle cells of the internal organs and blood vessels that are not controlled consciously. LMS is classified as a soft tissue sarcoma and can arise in any part of the body, the most common site being the abdomen.