Pulmonary leiomyosarcomas

Abstract

Four cases of pulmonary leiomyosarcoma are presented. The characteristic histological features are described with specific reference to the criteria of malignancy. It is suggested that diagnosis by bronchoscopy provides insufficient material for histological grading and open lung biopsy is the diagnostic tool of choice. The available methods of treatment are discussed.

Mesenchymal Tumors of the Lung

“…The diagnostic criteria are similar to those for soft tissue leiomyosarcomas. Most of the information regarding pulmonary leiomyosarcomas has been presented as single case reports 21,43-61 or short series of cases, 31,62,63 with only a few larger series. 64,65 In some reported series, however, pulmonary leiomyosarcomas have been included in the general context of smooth muscle tumors 21,31 or with other sarcomas, such as fibrosarcomas.…”

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the lung in a girl

“…We report a case which occurred in a 14-year-old girl, reviewing all the other cases found in the literature.Primary leiomyosarcoma of the lung is a malignant tumour occurring rarely both in children [2-5, 6, 8, 9, 11] and adults [1, 2, 7, 10].The tumour arises from smooth muscle either of the bronchial or arterial walls and is characterised by a variable pattern of local growth and blood-borne metastatic spread, while lymphatics and lymph nodes are usually spared [2,7,10]. It arises from smooth muscle either of bronchial or arterial walls, has a variable pattern of local growth, blood-borne metastatic spread with lymph nodes sparing and a clinical course characterized by fever, cough and worsening dyspnea.…”

“…The tumour arises from smooth muscle either of the bronchial or arterial walls and is characterised by a variable pattern of local growth and blood-borne metastatic spread, while lymphatics and lymph nodes are usually spared [2,7,10].…”