Cotyledonoid Dissecting Leiomyoma: A Rare Variant of Leiomyoma of the Uterus

Cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma is a rare variant of leiomyoma and has only been reported a few times in the literature. As a result of its alarming gross and radiologic appearance, it must be differentiated from other malignant smooth muscle tumors. We report a case of cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma in an African American premenopausal woman with a medical history of anemia, abnormal uterine bleeding, and a cervical mass. A total hysterectomy was performed on the patient. On pathological examination, the gross and microscopic appearance of the tumor was consistent with that described in previous reports of cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma. However, our case showed focal areas of increased mitotic activity with 5 mitoses per high power field but no tumor cell necrosis or cellular atypia. This tumor does not have malignant potential, but clinicians and pathologists must be aware of its existence to avoid overtreating patients.