Cutaneous Leiomyosarcoma

Cutaneous leiomyosarcoma is a rare type of skin cancer that arises from the smooth muscle layers in the deep layers of the skin or in the subcutaneous tissue underneath. The smooth muscle is located in the arrector pili muscles or in the blood vessels found in the skin. This type of skin cancer can occur at any age, but is most common over the age of 50 years old. It often appears as a firm deep nodule on the skin, that is diagnosed with a skin biopsy. It may be asymptomatic or be associated with itching and/ or pain. Leiomyosarcoma affects men twice as often than women. Metastasis of this skin tumor is rare. The prognosis is generally good after treatment especially for tumors that are more superficial in the skin. A history of trauma or radiation are thought to be predisposing factors.