Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Leiomyomas, commonly known as fibroids, are benign soft tissue tumors mostly found in the uterus. Although predominantly uterine, they can occur rarely in other areas, notably in the gastrointestinal tract. This article emphasizes an unusual case: an ileal leiomyoma in a 54-year-old patient, showcasing the distinct diagnostic and management challenges it presents. CASE REPORT: A 54-year-old female with no prior medical history presented with a progressively enlarging, painful abdominal mass over six months. Imaging suggested a Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST), but guided biopsy yielded an unexpected diagnosis of ileal leiomyoma. Subsequent surgical intervention successfully removed the tumor, leading to an uneventful postoperative recovery. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: This case underscores the diagnostic intricacies and clinical manifestations of ileal leiomyomas. While diagnosis can be challenging, timely histopathological evaluation is crucial. Surgical resection guided by pathological findings played a pivotal role in this patient's care, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment in unique medical cases. CONCLUSION: The rarity of ileal leiomyomas presents a substantial challenge in the medical field, where expertise can be limited. This case emphasizes the pivotal role of histopathological analysis in confirming the diagnosis and guiding effective surgical management.