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Liposarcoma

Malignant Tumor of Adipocyte Differentiation

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Onkoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Liposarcoma?

Liposarcoma is a malignant mesenchymal neoplasm showing adipocytic differentiation, accounting for approximately 20% of all soft tissue sarcomas in adults.

WHO classifies liposarcomas into four major subtypes: atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma (most common, indolent), dedifferentiated liposarcoma (locally aggressive), myxoid liposarcoma (intermediate, MDM2 amplification), and pleomorphic liposarcoma (high-grade, aggressive).

Common locations include the retroperitoneum, extremities (thigh), and trunk.

Symptoms

Slowly enlarging, painless deep soft tissue mass
Retroperitoneal tumors: vague abdominal fullness, weight loss, GI/urinary obstruction
Extremity tumors: deep mass, possible pain or sensory disturbance from nerve compression
Lower extremity edema or DVT from venous compression
Tumor often grows large (over 10 cm) before diagnosis
Myxoid subtype may present with axial skeletal metastases (atypical pattern)
Recurrence often years after initial resection in well-differentiated forms

Risk Factors

Adult age 40-60 years (peak incidence)
Prior radiation therapy
Hereditary syndromes: Li-Fraumeni, neurofibromatosis type 1, retinoblastoma survivors
Lymphedema (Stewart-Treves syndrome — angiosarcoma but liposarcoma rare)
Chemical exposures (vinyl chloride, arsenic — historical)
Male predominance for some subtypes
No known association with dietary fat or obesity

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Any soft tissue mass larger than 5 cm or growing over weeks to months
  • Deep, firm, persistent mass, especially in thigh or retroperitoneum
  • Vague abdominal symptoms with imaging-detected fatty mass
  • Recurrent extremity lipoma in adult — biopsy required
  • Symptoms of obstruction (urinary, GI, vascular) from abdominal mass

Treatment Methods

01
Wide surgical resection with negative margins — primary curative treatment
02
Radiation therapy (preoperative or postoperative) for high-grade or marginal resection
03
Chemotherapy: anthracycline-based (doxorubicin) for high-grade or metastatic disease
04
Trabectedin for advanced myxoid/round cell liposarcoma
05
Eribulin for advanced liposarcoma (FDA-approved second-line)
06
MDM2 antagonists in clinical trials for well-differentiated/dedifferentiated forms
07
Long-term surveillance with MRI/CT — late recurrences common in retroperitoneal disease
08
Multidisciplinary sarcoma center management improves outcomes

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Onkoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.