Cutaneous Leiomyosarcoma: The Clinical Experience of Taipei Veterans General Hospital Revisited.

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous leiomyosarcoma (CLM) is a rare soft tissue tumor of smooth muscle derivation. We report the clinical treatment, long-term outcomes, and prognostic findings of CLM in our institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We revisited and carried out a retrospective chart review of 16 consecutive patients with CLM treated from 1991 through 2015. Patient demographic data, tumor size, location, previous treatment, follow-up data, and the presence or absence of recurrence were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were 6 males and 10 females (mean age, 48.6 years; range, 20-78 years). Clinical follow-up revealed local recurrences in 4 patients 1.3 to 72 months after surgical excision. No distant metastases were observed. We reviewed previously published articles and analyzed the clinical findings, pathologic examinations, and treatments.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical tumor excision with a wide lateral and deep margin is the most appropriate method. Other therapeutic methods such as radio- or chemotherapy provide no significant benefits. We recommend long-term follow-up of patients because recurrence is possible although not common.