Leiomyosarcoma: a rare pedal finding

Abstract

Leiomyosarcoma of the skin and subcutaneous tissue is a rare soft tissue neoplasm comprised of spindle-shaped smooth muscle cells. The statistical incidence of superficial leiomyosarcomas varies from 2.3% to 5.3% of malignant soft tissue tumors and from 4.0% to 6.5% of soft tissue sarcomas. Its occurrence in the foot is even more unusual. In a literature review extending from 1936-present, the authors have been able to locate only 12 known cases of leiomyosarcoma involving the foot and ankle. A presentation of the incidence, demographics of distribution, clinical characteristics, histopathologic features, prognosis, and treatment of leiomyosarcoma will be presented along with a unique case history involving a recalcitrant heel ulcer complicated by leiomyosarcoma.