One of the most overwhelming parts of being diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is suddenly hearing lots of unfamiliar medical words.
During appointments, you may hear doctors talking about biopsies, scans, pathology reports, multidisciplinary teams and treatment options, all while you’re still trying to come to terms with your diagnosis.
If you’re finding the language confusing, you’re certainly not alone.
This guide explains some of the most common terms you may hear. Remember, if your healthcare team uses a word you don’t understand, it’s always okay to ask them to explain it.
Biopsy
A biopsy is a small sample of tissue taken from the tumour.
The sample is examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and identify exactly what type of tumour it is.
Pathologist
A pathologist is a doctor who specialises in examining tissue and cells.
Although you may never meet them, they play a vital role in confirming a diagnosis of Leiomyosarcoma by carefully analysing biopsy samples.
CT Scan
A CT (Computed Tomography) scan uses X-rays and computers to create detailed images of the inside of your body.
These scans help doctors understand the size and location of a tumour and whether there are signs that it has spread.
MRI Scan
An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues.
MRI scans are commonly used when investigating soft tissue sarcomas because they provide excellent detail.
Sarcoma
Sarcoma is the name given to a group of rare cancers that develop in bone or soft tissues.
Leiomyosarcoma is one type of soft tissue sarcoma.
Leiomyosarcoma (LMS)
Leiomyosarcoma is a rare cancer that develops in smooth muscle tissue.
Smooth muscle is found throughout the body, which means LMS can develop in different locations, including the uterus, abdomen, blood vessels and other soft tissues.
Specialist Sarcoma Centre
A specialist sarcoma centre is a hospital with healthcare professionals who have expertise in diagnosing and treating sarcomas.
Many people with Leiomyosarcoma are referred to one of these centres to ensure they receive specialist care.
MDT (Multidisciplinary Team)
An MDT is a group of healthcare professionals from different specialties who work together to review your diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.
The team may include surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and specialist nurses.
Oncologist
An oncologist is a doctor who specialises in treating cancer.
Depending on your treatment, you may meet a medical oncologist, who specialises in drug treatments such as chemotherapy, or a clinical oncologist, who specialises in radiotherapy as well as systemic cancer treatments.
Surgeon
A surgeon is the doctor who performs operations.
If surgery is part of your treatment plan, you may be cared for by a surgeon with expertise in treating sarcomas.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
Your Clinical Nurse Specialist is often one of the main points of contact during your treatment.
They can provide information, answer questions and help coordinate different aspects of your care.
Metastasis
You may hear the words “metastasis” or “metastatic disease”.
This means cancer cells have spread from where the cancer first started to another part of the body.
Your healthcare team will explain what this means for your individual situation if it is relevant to you.
Prognosis
A prognosis is a doctor’s assessment based on the information available about your condition.
Every person’s situation is different, so a prognosis is never an exact prediction of what will happen in the future.
Follow-up
After treatment, you will usually continue to have follow-up appointments.
These appointments allow your healthcare team to monitor your recovery, review any scans and discuss any concerns you may have.
It’s okay to ask
Medical language can feel overwhelming, especially in the early days after diagnosis.
No healthcare professional expects you to understand every medical term immediately.
If you don’t understand something, ask.
If you need something explained again, ask again.
The more you understand about your care, the more confident you’ll feel in making decisions alongside your healthcare team.
Related articles
- I’ve Just Been Diagnosed with Leiomyosarcoma. What Happens Next?
- What Questions Should I Ask My Consultant After a Leiomyosarcoma Diagnosis?
- How Is Leiomyosarcoma Diagnosed?
- Understanding Your MDT Meeting
Please remember: Medical terminology can vary depending on your individual circumstances. If you’re unsure about any word or phrase used during your appointments, your consultant or specialist healthcare team will be happy to explain what it means in relation to your care.