Description
The specimen is an ovoid tumour mass containing widespread areas of necrosis and haemorrhage.
Viable tumour has a markedly lobulated appearance and appears to be encapsulated. Immediately
adjacent to the tumour there is a portion of small bowel, this is connected to the tumour by a small
connective tissue bridge. Sections taken from the tumour show it to be comprised of malignant
smooth muscle cells.
History
This 59-year-old man presented following a period of unconsciousness. At examination
he was found to be shocked and a provisional diagnosis of ruptured aortic aneurysm was made.
However at laparotomy a large tumour was found in the vicinity of a Meckels diverticulum. There
was an associated massive haemoperitoneum. The patient re-presented three years later with
anorexia, nausea and abdominal pain and was found at laparotomy to have a recurrence of his
leiomyosarcoma.