Leiomyosarcoma Health Article

Prevention

Since the causes of leiomyosarcoma are not known, there are no recommendations about how to prevent its development. It is linked to radiation exposure; however, much of this excess radiation exposure is the result of therapy to treat other forms of cancer. Among families with an inherited tendency to develop soft tissue sarcomas, careful monitoring may help to ensure early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Special concerns

Leiomyosarcoma, like other cancer diagnoses, may produce a range of emotional responses. Education, counseling, and participation in support group programs may help to reduce feelings of fear, anxiety and hopelessness. For many patients suffering from spiritual distress, visits with clergy members and participation in organized prayer may offer comfort.

Resources

BOOKS

Murphy, Gerald P. et al. American Cancer Society Textbook of Clinical Oncology Second Edition. Atlanta, GA: The American Cancer Society, Inc., 1995.

Otto, Shirley E. Oncology Nursing. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, 1997.

Pelletier, Kenneth R. The Best of Alternative Medicine. New York, NY: Simon & Schuster, 2000.

PERIODICALS

Schwartz, L. B. et al. "Leiomyosarcoma: Clinical Presentation." American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology168 (1)(January 1993):180-183.

Ishida, J. et al. "Primary Leiomyosarcoma of the Greater Omentum." Journal Of Clinical Gastroenterology 28 (2)(March 1999): 167-170.

Antonescru, C. R. et al. "Primary Leiomyosarcoma of Bone: AClinicopathologic, Immunohistochemical, and Ultrastructural Study of 33 Patients and a Literature Review." Amer ican Journal of Surgical Pathology 21 (11) (November 1997): 1281-1294.

ORGANIZATIONS

American Cancer Society. 1599 Clifton Road, N.E., Atlanta, GA 30329. (800) 227-2345.

Cancer Research Institute. 681 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY10022. (800) 992-2623.

National Cancer Institute (National Institutes of Health). 9000Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892. (800) 422-6237.

OTHER

National Cancer Institute Clinical Cancer Trials <http://cancertrials.nci.nih.gov>.

Barbara Wexler, M.P.H.

QUESTIONS TO ASK THE DOCTOR

• What stage is the leiomyosarcoma?
• What are the recommended treatments?
• What are the side effects of the recommended treatment?
• Is treatment expected to cure the disease or only to prolong life?

Biopsy

—The surgical removal and microscopic examination of living tissue for diagnostic purposes.

Chemotherapy

—Treatment of cancer with synthetic drugs that destroy the tumor either by inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells or by killing them.

Oncologist

—A doctor who specializes in cancer medicine.

Pathologist

—A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis of disease by studying cells and tissues under a microscope.

Radiation therapy

—Treatment using high energy radiation from x-ray machines, cobalt, radium, or other sources.

Stage

—A term used to describe the size and extent of spread of cancer.