Small bowel leiomyosarcoma: a case report and review of the literature

Leiomyosarcoma of the small intestine is a rare malignancy. Despite advancements in diagnostic imaging, leiomyosarcoma remains challenging to diagnose preoperatively due to its nonspecific presentation. This study presents a 72-year-old female with a 3 cm ileal leiomyosarcoma, diagnosed via histopathology. Post-surgery, she recovered well with no recurrence at 4 months. A review of 13 cases showed ages 45-90 years (mean: 69.8), with males affected twice as often. Abdominal pain was the most common symptom, and metastases occurred in several cases to the lungs, liver, and other organs. The mortality rate was 38.5%. Early diagnosis is crucial, as mild symptoms may be overlooked until severe complications arise.