Liposarcoma occurs when cancerous (malignant) fat cells grow out of control and form a mass, or tumor, in the soft tissue of your body. This cancer may stay in one place or spread to other parts of your body, such as your bones or lungs. This is called metastasis.
About 2,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with liposarcoma each year. It most often develops in the abdominal cavity or extremities, but can be found anywhere in the body. It’s rare in children and is more likely to affect men than women. The cause of this cancer is not clear. However, it’s thought that genetic changes increase your risk of developing it, as can exposure to certain chemicals and having a hereditary syndrome like familial adenomatous polyposis.
Symptoms of liposarcoma include a lump under the skin or in a nearby muscle, limb or bone. It can also feel tender or have an unusual shape. Your doctor will diagnose liposarcoma by taking a sample of the tissue and examining it under a microscope. They may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, a CT scan or an MRI. They might also order a positron emission tomography scan, or PET, to help identify the location of the tumor.
In most cases, the only treatment for liposarcoma is surgery to remove the tumor. Your doctor will try to remove as much of the tumor as possible without harming any healthy tissue. They might also recommend radiation or chemotherapy to help prevent the tumor from coming back. Your doctor will decide which type of treatment is best for you based on the size and location of your tumor, your overall health and the results of your biopsy.
There are three main types of liposarcoma: well-differentiated, myxoid and pleomorphic. Well-differentiated liposarcomas are low-grade and don’t usually recur or spread. Myxoid and pleomorphic liposarcomas are higher-grade and have a more aggressive growth pattern. These cancers are more likely to spread to other areas of the body.
The survival rates for liposarcoma, as reported by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, vary based on the type of cancer, how far it has spread at the time of diagnosis and the method of treatment.
Getting treated for liposarcoma can be physically and emotionally challenging. It’s important to have a support system, such as family and friends, who can be there for you during this time. If you’re having trouble coping, talk to your doctor. They can suggest a counselor or therapist, and help you find the support you need. You can also ask your doctor about clinical trials that are testing new treatments for liposarcoma. The more information you have, the better you can make the best decisions about your care.
