Benign Metastasizing Leiomyoma to the Lung and Spine: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Benign metastasizing leiomyomas (BML) represent a rare phenomenon consisting of the extra-uterine spread of smooth muscle cells with similar histological, immunological, and molecular patterns to those of benign uterine leiomyomas. They are considered benign based off their low mitotic activity, lack of anaplasia or necrosis, and limited vascularization. This condition represents an interesting diagnostic and treatment challenge based on their rarity and indolent nature. Our case represents a unique finding of BML in the thoracic spine in a postmenopausal woman many years after hysterectomy and partial oophorectomy. There are currently no standard guidelines for treatment of BML, given the rare nature of this condition, with most patients treated with a combination of surgical resection and radiotherapy, followed by hormonal treatment and radiological surveillance serving as the primary backbone of current management plans. Given that these patients present a unique clinical challenge in terms of diagnosis and management, it is important to delineate and further examine these rare entities.

Benign metastasizing leiomyoma in femur and thigh with a history of uterine leiomyoma: A case report and literature review

“…[17][18][19][20][21] Radiation therapy has been reported to be a useful choice for painful spinal metastases. 22 In our case, it was difficult to remove all the tumors. She had no menstruation because she had undergone a total hysterectomy.…”

“…If the tumors are unresectable, hormone treatments, for example, GnRHa, aromatase inhibitor, progesterone, tamoxifen and ovariectomy, might be effective 17–21 . Radiation therapy has been reported to be a useful choice for painful spinal metastases 22 . In our case, it was difficult to remove all the tumors.…”

Intravenous Leiomyomatosis: An Uncommon Cause of Pulmonary Embolism

“…Furthermore, IVL is known to cause benign metastases in the lungs, liver, skin, lymph nodes, esophagus, bladder, or even spine, with the lung being the most common metastatic location [ 12 , 13 ]. Although most cases of benign pulmonary metastases described in the literature presented as multiple pulmonary nodules, this etiology could not be excluded in our patient with a small 6-mm pulmonary nodule.…”

Benign Metastasizing Leiomyoma: A Case Report

“…Leiomyomas rarely metastasize. Most common site of involvement are the lungs, lymph nodes, abdomen/pelvis, nervous system and bone [2]. Leiomyoma metastasis to the spine is rare.…”