What is liposarcoma? Information about the symptoms, diagnostic methods, surgical treatment options, and follow-up process of malignant tumors originating from fatty tissue.
Liposarcoma is a rare, malignant soft tissue tumor originating from fatty tissue. It usually occurs in adults and can develop in different parts of the body. It is particularly common in the thighs, arms, trunk, and the back of the abdomen (retroperitoneal space).
Liposarcomas are divided into different subtypes such as well-differentiated, dedifferentiated, myxoid, and pleomorphic. These tumors differ in their growth rates, effects on surrounding tissues, and potential for spread.
Initially, the disease may be noticed as a painless, slow-growing mass. As the tumor grows, it may cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, limited movement, or pressure on surrounding nerves and blood vessels.
Liposarcoma differs from lipoma, which is a benign fatty tissue tumor. Therefore, detailed evaluation of fatty tissue masses that show growth, are deeply located, or are large in size is important.
Diagnosis and Evaluation
In cases of suspected liposarcoma, the patient's complaints, physical examination findings, and radiological examinations are evaluated together.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to determine the size, structure, and relationship with surrounding tissues of tumors, especially those developing in the arms and legs. Computed tomography (CT) can be used for tumors located in the abdomen and retroperitoneal region.
Additional imaging methods may be applied depending on the type and characteristics of the tumor to assess the spread of the disease.
A biopsy and pathological examination, usually planned appropriately, are required for a definitive diagnosis. In necessary cases, molecular tests can also be used to determine the subtype of liposarcoma.
Treatment Approaches
Liposarcoma treatment is planned according to the histological subtype, grade, size, location, and extent of disease spread of the tumor.
One of the main methods in the treatment of localized liposarcomas is surgery. The aim of surgical treatment is to remove the tumor with appropriate surgical margins and to preserve the surrounding healthy tissues and limb functions as much as possible.
In suitable patients, limb-sparing surgery can be performed. Depending on the characteristics of the tumor, radiotherapy may be included in the treatment plan before or after surgery.
In some subtypes of liposarcoma, especially in advanced stages or in cases that cannot be surgically removed, chemotherapy or other systemic treatment options may be considered.
The diagnosis and treatment process is planned in a multidisciplinary manner with the participation of orthopedics and traumatology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology, and pathology specialists.
Regular clinical and radiological follow-up is important after treatment to assess the possibility of disease recurrence or spread to distant organs.