Leiomyosarcoma of the mesocolon

Retroperitoneal sarcomas are rare tumours. Although exceptional in the meso colon, they can yet be considered as a special kind of retroperitoneal tumo urs. Leiomyosarcoma represents from 25 to 30% in this location. Clinical fe atures are rarely obvious because the symptomatology depends upon displaced or compressed adjacent organs. Most authors agree on using the CT-scanner or MRI as diagnostic tools. However, the diagnosis is made after a histolog ic examination permitting the establishment of its grade and margins. Only a surgical treatment can offer prolonged survival and this can be improved if there is a low histological grade and total excision. The mesocolic loca tion facilitates a radical removal and may therefore offer a better long-te rm prognosis.