Subcutaneous Leiomyosarcoma of the Anterior Abdominal Wall: A Case Report
Kaid. Mohamed *
Department of General Surgery, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco and Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
de Souza Crédo Freeman
Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco and Department of Pathology, Mohammed V Military Hospital, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
Djogbe Rogelli
Department of General Surgery, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco and Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
Badr Moujahid
Department of General Surgery, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco and Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
Maliki
Department of General Surgery, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco and Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
Sourelah
Department of General Surgery, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco and Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
Abdelilah Yechhab
Department of General Surgery, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco and Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
Njoumi
Department of General Surgery, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco and Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
Abdelmounaim Ait Ali
Department of General Surgery, Mohammed V Military Teaching Hospital, Rabat, Morocco and Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V University in Rabat, Rabat 10100, Morocco.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Leiomyosarcoma is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumour arising from smooth muscle cells and accounts for approximately 5–10% of all soft tissue sarcomas. Subcutaneous leiomyosarcomas are particularly uncommon, representing only 1–2% of all superficial soft tissue malignancies. They occur most frequently on the extensor surfaces of the extremities, while involvement of the anterior abdominal wall remains exceptionally rare.
Case Presentation: We report a rare case of subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma arising from the left rectus abdominis muscle of the anterior abdominal wall. The patient presented with a progressively enlarging abdominal wall mass. Radiological investigations demonstrated a localised soft tissue tumour without evidence of distant spread. The diagnosis was established through histopathological examination and confirmed by immunohistochemical analysis.
The patient underwent wide surgical excision of the lesion, including the involved rectus abdominis muscle and adjacent peritoneum, with the objective of achieving tumour-free margins. Histopathological evaluation confirmed the diagnosis of subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was enrolled in regular follow-up.
Conclusion: This case highlights the exceptional rarity of subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma of the anterior abdominal wall and emphasises the importance of histopathological and immunohistochemical assessment for accurate diagnosis. Complete surgical resection with adequate margins remains the cornerstone of treatment and offers the best chance for long-term local control.
Keywords: Leiomyosarcoma, abdominal wall, soft tissue tumours, rare tumours