Sarcomas are a group of rare cancers that can occur almost anywhere in the body. There are over 80 subtypes of sarcomas, one of which is liposarcoma. Liposarcoma is a soft tissue cancer that forms in the body’s fatty tissues (or adipose). If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with liposarcoma, we understand you want the best care possible. Home to central Ohio’s only Sarcoma Clinic, our team of renowned researchers and specialists work every day to better understand liposarcoma and to develop innovative treatments for it.
What is liposarcoma?
Liposarcoma is the most common form of sarcoma diagnosed in adults and accounts for around 13% of all soft tissue cancers. It forms as a tumor (mass) in the fatty tissues of the body and can occur most anywhere in the body where these tissues are present. Liposarcoma is found most frequently in the extremities, such as the legs, specifically behind the knee or thigh, or around the abdomen. These tumors are often slow growing.
Liposarcoma symptoms
Symptoms of liposarcoma will vary based on the location of the tumor. Sometimes, it may not cause any symptoms.
However, there are other causes for some of the symptoms associated with this cancer. Therefore, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you notice anything unusual with your body that doesn’t go away:
- Lump that doesn’t go away and may get larger over time
- Pain or swelling near the lump
- Unexplained weight gain or loss especially around the waist
- Nausea
- Stomach pain or cramping
- Tiredness/fatigue
- Problems urinating
- Growth of abdomen/pelvis without weight gain
If you notice any of these symptoms and they don’t go away, be sure to see your doctor to rule out other causes.
Liposarcoma causes
Currently, there is no known cause for liposarcoma.
Normal, healthy cells contain instructions found in DNA to help the cells grow and reproduce normally. Over time, those cells can change and those changes can result in cells receiving “bad instructions.” Liposarcoma occurs when cells start to follow these bad instructions, replicating and dying at abnormal rates. As a result, these cells form a tumor (mass).
Liposarcoma diagnosis
If a doctor suspects that you or a loved one have liposarcoma, they may order a series of tests to determine an accurate diagnosis.
Some of these tests may include imaging tests like computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans or specific biopsies of the suspected tumor. A biopsy may be ordered and tissue samples will be taken from the affected area. An OSUCCC – James pathologist will check the cells under a microscope to determine if liposarcoma cells are present.
If liposarcoma is determined to be present, a treatment plan will be determined your team.
Types of liposarcoma
Like most sarcomas, there are different subtypes of liposarcomas.
These subtypes include:
- Well-differentiated liposarcoma: This is the most common type diagnosed in adults between the ages of 50 and 75 and it grows slowly.
- Dedifferentiated liposarcoma: Dedifferentiated liposarcoma is more aggressive and grows faster than other types of liposarcomas.
- Myxoid/round cell liposarcoma: Round cell liposarcoma tends to occur in the arms and legs. This type tends to be seen in adults between 20 and 40 years old.
- Pleomorphic liposarcoma: This is a more aggressive type of liposarcoma; it accounts for less than 5% of all liposarcoma diagnoses.
Liposarcoma treatment
Once a liposarcoma diagnosis is confirmed, treatment may vary depending on your needs. Experts at the OSUCCC – James will work with you to determine the appropriate treatment to ensure the best possible outcome for your type of liposarcoma.
Surgery
Surgery is the preferred method to treat liposarcomas. The exact location and size of the tumor will determine the surgical method used. An expert OSUCCC – James surgical oncologist will review your diagnostic imaging and pathology reports. From there, they will work with you to determine how much of the tumor and surrounding tissue they can remove.
Radiation therapy
For some types of liposarcoma, radiation therapy may be helpful to either shrink the tumor before or after surgery, depending on the location. Radiation therapy will often be used alongside surgery to effectively treat and remove as much, if not all, of the cancer as possible. Radiation therapy uses highly targeted X-rays to kill cancerous cells in the tumor and surrounding areas.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used as an additional therapy in the treatment of liposarcomas depending on the stage and location. Chemotherapy uses one or a combination of drugs that are administered directly into the veins (intravenously, or IV) over a period to help reduce the size of the tumor.
If you have been diagnosed with liposarcoma, would like a second opinion or would like to speak with a head and neck oncology specialist, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.
Additional Resources
Types of Sarcoma
Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Screening and Diagnosis
Clinical Trials