What is Leiomyosarcoma?

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that develops in smooth muscle tissue—the muscles we don’t control consciously—found in areas like the uterus, stomach, intestines, blood vessels, and other soft tissues throughout the body. Unlike many common cancers, LMS doesn’t form a solid tumor that stays in one place. It grows quickly and often spreads (metastasizes) to other parts of the body, most commonly the lungs, liver, or other organs, making treatment especially challenging. Because it originates in deep tissues, it can grow silently for some time before causing noticeable symptoms like pain, swelling, or fatigue—often not showing itself until it has reached an advanced stage. Leiomyosarcoma is considered very rare, accounting for only about 1 in 100,000 cancer diagnoses each year. Soft tissue sarcomas make up less than 1% of all adult cancers, and LMS is just one type within that group. Its rarity means it is often difficult to diagnose early, and treatment plans usually involve a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy tailored to each patient. For Jennifer, this diagnosis means fighting a disease that few people have even heard of—a cancer that is aggressive, unpredictable, and deeply personal. Despite the challenges, Jennifer continues to face this journey with the same strength, compassion, and love she’s always shared with those around her.