Unresectable Leiomyosarcoma
What is Unresectable Leiomyosarcoma?
Unresectable leiomyosarcoma is a rare type of cancer that affects the smooth muscle, which is the type of muscle that makes up the walls of your blood vessels and organs. It is a malignant tumor, which means it can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body. In some cases, it can be very aggressive. Due to its aggressive nature, it may not respond well to standard treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy.
When this type of cancer is found, it is typically in advanced stages and may not be curable by surgery. Treatment options for unresectable leiomyosarcoma include chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, and clinical trials. The treatment plan for each person is different and depends on the size and stage of the tumor, where it is located, and the person’s overall health.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
There are no known causes of unresectable leiomyosarcoma. However, it is seen most often in people over the age of 50 and in women more often than men. Symptoms of this type of cancer can vary greatly depending on the size and location of the tumor.
- Pain in affected sites
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Unexplained weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
Diagnosis and Treatment
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak to your doctor. Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests such as MRI or CT scan. Your doctor may also need to take a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment for unresectable leiomyosarcoma will depend on the size, stage, and location of the tumor. Surgery may be an option if the tumor is at an early stage and can be removed. Other treatments may include chemotherapy, radiation, targeted therapies, and clinical trials.
Prognosis
The prognosis for unresectable leiomyosarcoma depends on the extent of the tumor and how successful the treatment is. Generally, the earlier the tumor is found and treated, the better the outlook is. However, even with successful treatment, the cancer can spread and become more difficult to treat.