What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Deep Soft Tissue Leiomyoma

What is Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue? (Definition/Background Information)

• Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue is a benign soft tissue tumor of smooth muscle occurring deep in the body tissues. They comprise two distinct subtypes, mainly based on their location:
  • Leiomyoma of Somatic Soft Tissue
  • Retroperitoneal-Abdominal Leiomyoma
• These slow-growing, solitary tumors are extremely infrequent and have a tendency to grow to enormous sizes
• Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue usually affects the thigh; the other tumor areas include the abdomen and pelvic region. Both, men and women in their mid-adult phase of life, are commonly affected
• The treatment of choice is a surgical removal of the entire tumor. The prognosis is excellent with appropriate treatment

Who gets Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue is generally present in middle-aged adults of either gender. The age range is between 25-79 years
• However, abdominal cavity tumors are exclusively found in women (average age 45 years)
• There is no racial or ethnic preference noticed

What are the Risk Factors for Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue? (Predisposing Factors)

• No risk factors are evident for Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue
• Nevertheless, women suffering from uterine leiomyoma (uterine fibroids), are at an increased risk for abdominal leiomyoma

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one's chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue? (Etiology)

• The exact cause of Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue formation is presently unknown
• These tumors are thought to occur spontaneously

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue?

The signs and symptoms of Deep Soft Tissue Leiomyoma may include:

• Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue are solid mass of solitary tumors mostly growing deep inside the body
• These tumors can develop to huge sizes over many years (about 30cm wide, 10lbs in weight)
• The most common location of this tumor is the lower limb (thigh); other locations include the abdominal, pelvic, and intestinal regions
• Mostly, these tumors appear as painless masses
• Pain may occur if a nerve is pressed near the tumor

How is Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue Diagnosed?

Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue diagnosis involves:

• Physical exam with evaluation of medical history
• X-rays of the tumor site: Since many are calcified lesions, detection using radiography is possible
• CT, MRI scans of the affected regions
• Tissue biopsy of tumor: Histopathological studies conducted on a biopsy specimen - the specimen is examined under a microscope by a pathologist, to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. It may be observed that cell activity and tissue necrosis are minimal
• Differential diagnosis, to eliminate other tumor types is considered, before arriving at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue?

The possible complications of Deep Soft Tissue Leiomyoma include:

• Recurrence of the soft tissue tumor after surgery; though, this is very rare
• Damage of vital nerves, blood vessels, and surrounding structures, during surgery

How is Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue Treated?

Following are the treatment methods for Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue:

• A complete surgical excision and removal of the entire lesion is normally sufficient treatment
• Post-operative care is important: A minimum activity level is to be ensured, until the surgical wound heals
• Follow-up care with regular screening and check-ups are important

How can Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue be Prevented?

Current medical research has not established a method of preventing Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue.

What is the Prognosis of Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• Prognosis is generally excellent after removal of the entire tumor. Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue recurrence risk can be completely avoided with a proper surgical excision
• The probability of tumor recurrence is very low on a complete surgical removal. However, periodic follow-up check-ups with screening may be required

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue:

Leiomyomas occur in the uterus too; but, they are treated separately and are quite distinct and different from Leiomyoma of Deep Soft Tissue.