Leiomyosarcoma is a particularly rare form of cancer that attacks the body's soft tissue. While the most common forms of cancer grow from bone cells (osteosarcoma), leiomyosarcoma grows and mutates the smooth muscle cells of the body, including the uterus, stomach, intestines, blood vessels and the skin. No specific causes of leiomyosarcoma have been identified yet, but there are risk factors associated with the cancer.
Radiation Risk Factor
Imagine going in for treatment for one form of cancer and leaving with a second form. Radiation therapy used to treat certain forms of cancer can cause damage to collateral cells, leading to the onset of leiomyosarcoma. Perhaps the worst part of it is the fact that you may never know. Often, the cancerous result of radiation treatment won't show up for up to 25 years after the radiation is over.
Race Risk Factor
Leiomyosarcoma, particularly the type that attacks the uterus, can be traced to race. The odds of getting leiomyosarcoma in the uterus doubles in African-American women as compared to white and Asian women. There is no solid evidence explaining the race risk factor.
Cyclophosphamide Therapy Risk Factor
Cyclophosphamide therapy (CP) is a medication-based therapy used in the treatment of Wegener's granulomatosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, Wegener's granulomatosis is an uncommon disorder that causes inflammation of the blood vessels. Studies of patients who have had CP therapy have shown a correlation between CP and leiomyosarcoma.
