Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis and malignant transformation: A case series in a single referral center

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe one of the largest series of disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis (DPL) and its malignant counterpart, evaluating possible risk factors for both the benign and malignant condition, and highlighting any differences between them in terms of surgical and clinical management.

Study design: Clinical, surgical and histopathological characteristics of patients diagnosed with DPL (group 1) and malignant-DPL (group 2), between July 2010 and July 2020, were retrospectively retrieved.

Results: A total of 14 benign and 5 malignant cases were selected. The duration of preoperative hormonal therapy was significantly longer in the benign condition while malignant DPL showed significantly larger lesions (median nodule size: 12 cm). However, surgical procedures and surgical outcomes did not differ among the two conditions, with highly complex surgery and relatively high post-operative complications in both groups.

Conclusion: Preoperative discrimination between benign and malignant DPL is challenging. Given the high surgical complexity required in both cases, addressing patients to referral cancer centers is strictly recommend, in order to offer them the best possible treatment and allowing a continuous and accurate collection of clinical information that might be crucial for further studies.

Keywords: Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis; Disseminated peritoneal leiomyomatosis and malignant transformation; Gynecologic oncology surgery; Peritoneal leiomyosarcoma.