Subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma on the face

BACKGROUND. Cutaneous leiomyosarcoma is a rare soft tissue sarcoma with a p redilection for the lower extremities. Leiomyosarcoma of the face is very r are. Subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma has a higher likelihood of recurrence and metastases than that of the superficial dermal type. OBJECTIVE. The dermatologic surgeon and pathologist should be familiar with the characters of subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma. METHODS. We report a case of subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma on the face with t he results of histologic examination and immunohistochemical studies. RESULTS. Leiomyosarcoma of the face is exceedingly rare. The deep subcutane ous type is thought to arise from the smooth muscle of the vascular wall. T he neoplasm we report here has deep tumor invasion, high malignancy grade ( 3B), and large tumor size. Wide excision and postoperative radiotherapy wer e performed. CONCLUSION. Subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma has a higher likelihood of recurren ce and metastases than that of the superficial dermal type. The most effect ive treatment is wide excision with 3-5 cm lateral margins and a depth that includes subcutaneous tissue and fascia.