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Liposarcoma: Types, Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Venkata Sambasivarao , Oncologists
Liposarcoma is a rare type of cancer that starts in the body's fat cells. It doesn't come from the fat under your skin, like belly fat, but from deep fat tissues, often in the thighs, behind the knees, or inside the belly (abdomen). This condition can grow slowly or quickly, depending on its type.
People often don't feel any pain at first. In many cases, the tumor is discovered only when it gets large enough to press against nearby muscles, nerves, or organs.
Key Points:
- Liposarcoma is a cancer that grows in deep fat tissues.
- It most often appears in the thigh, behind the knee, or abdomen.
- It usually starts as a painless lump.
- Some types grow slowly, others grow fast.
- It needs medical treatment like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy.
- Early detection improves outcomes.
What Are the Types of Liposarcoma?
Liposarcoma is a rare type of cancer that begins in fat cells, often in the arms, legs, or abdomen. It isn't just one disease, there are several different types. Each behaves differently and needs its own treatment plan. Understanding the Liposarcoma types helps doctors decide the best care for you.
Well-Differentiated Liposarcoma (WDLS)
This is the most common and usually the slowest-growing type of liposarcoma. It often develops in the limbs or the deep tissues of the abdomen.
- Slow to spread, but may come back after removal
- It may not look dangerous under the microscope but can still grow large
- Sometimes called "atypical lipomatous tumor" when found in the limbs
- Usually treated with surgery alone if caught early
- It can turn into a more aggressive type if left untreated
Though not as threatening as other forms, WDLS still requires regular follow-ups to ensure it doesn't grow back or change in behavior.
Myxoid/Round Cell Liposarcoma
This type often appears in the legs, especially the thighs, and is more common in younger adults.
- Has a gel-like texture due to its myxoid (mucus-like) appearance
- May have round cells, which make it more aggressive
- Can spread (metastasise) to distant parts of the body, including fat and bone
- Responds better to radiation and chemotherapy than other types
- Treated with a mix of surgery, radiation, and sometimes chemo
Early diagnosis is key with this type since it can behave more aggressively if round cells are present. Doctors will often look at how many round cells are in the tumor to decide treatment.
Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma (DDLS)
This type often starts as a well-differentiated liposarcoma and then transforms into a more aggressive, high-grade tumor.
- Usually found in the abdomen or retroperitoneum (area behind the abdominal organs)
- More likely to come back after treatment
- Has a higher risk of spreading to other organs
- Needs aggressive treatment, often including surgery and radiation
- May be resistant to some chemotherapy drugs
DDLS requires close monitoring even after treatment because of its unpredictable behavior. It's important to treat it promptly to avoid further complications.
Pleomorphic Liposarcoma
This is the rarest and most aggressive form of liposarcoma. It grows quickly and often spreads to other parts of the body.
- Often appears in the arms or legs, but can occur anywhere
- Can be painful or tender to the touch
- Grows fast and may come back even after surgery
- Usually treated with surgery plus radiation and chemotherapy
- Carries a higher risk of spreading (metastasis)
Because of its aggressive nature, pleomorphic liposarcoma is usually treated with a combination of therapies. Early detection and a strong treatment plan are essential for improving outcomes.
What Are Liposarcoma Symptoms?
Liposarcoma grows slowly and deep inside the body, and it may not show symptoms right away. But as the tumor gets bigger, you might start to notice some signs.
These symptoms can vary depending on where the tumor is located. For example, a liposarcoma in the leg may cause swelling or a lump, while one in the abdomen might cause pain or bloating.
Here are some common symptoms of liposarcoma to watch out for:
- A painless lump or swelling, often deep under the skin
- A feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the affected area
- Pain, if the tumor presses on nerves or muscles
- Limited movement in the limb (if in an arm or leg)
- Stomach pain, bloating, or changes in bowel habits (if in the abdomen)
Most lumps are not cancer, but if you notice a lump that keeps growing or doesn't go away, it's important to have it checked by a doctor. Early diagnosis can make treatment more effective and improve outcomes.
What Are Liposarcoma Causes?
Like many cancers, liposarcoma happens when healthy fat cells start growing out of control. These abnormal cells don't behave like regular cells , they don't stop growing when they should. Over time, they form a lump or tumor that can press on nearby tissues or organs.
While doctors know where the cancer begins, the exact cause of liposarcoma is still unclear. Though we don't always know why these changes occur, researchers believe that problems with a cell's DNA may play a role.
DNA damage can happen naturally as we age or may be linked to other health conditions.
Possible causes or contributing factors include:
- Genetic changes or mutations in fat cells
- Radiation exposure (especially from past cancer treatments)
- Certain inherited conditions, though very rare
- Unknown triggers in some cases, where no clear cause is found
In many patients, liposarcoma develops without any known reason, which is why regular health checks and early detection are so important.
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Get Second OpinionWhat Are the Risk Factors for Liposarcoma?
A risk factor is something that increases the chances of getting a disease, but it doesn't mean you will definitely get it. For liposarcoma, certain factors may raise your risk, although it's still considered a rare cancer.
Liposarcoma can affect people of all ages, but it's more common in adults, especially those over the age of 50. While some people have known risk factors, others may develop it without any clear cause.
Here are some of the common risk factors linked to liposarcoma:
- Age: Most cases are found in adults between 50 and 70 years old.
- Previous radiation therapy: People who've had radiation treatment for other cancers may have a higher chance of developing soft tissue sarcomas, including liposarcoma.
- Genetic conditions: Rare inherited disorders like Li-Fraumeni syndrome may increase the risk.
- Chronic swelling or injury: In rare situations, long-term swelling or past trauma to soft tissues may be linked.
- Exposure to harmful chemicals, Such as vinyl chloride or dioxins (uncommon).
Having one or more of these factors doesn't mean you'll get liposarcoma, but being aware can help you and your doctor watch for symptoms and act early if needed.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Liposarcoma?
Diagnosing liposarcoma starts with a careful check of your symptoms and a physical exam. If you've noticed a lump or swelling, especially one that keeps growing, your doctor may want to investigate further to find out what it is.
Liposarcoma is a rare type of cancer that begins in fat cells, often deep in the arms, legs, or abdomen. Because it doesn't always cause pain early on, it might go unnoticed until it gets bigger. That's why early tests are so important.
Doctors usually begin by asking about your medical history, such as:
- How long has the lump been there
- Whether it's painful or changing in size
- If there's a family history of soft tissue cancers
They'll also gently examine the area and may recommend tests like imaging scans or a biopsy (a small tissue sample) to get a closer look. These steps help them figure out whether the lump is cancerous and what kind of liposarcoma it may be.
What Are the Important Tests for Diagnosing Liposarcoma?
To confirm whether a lump is liposarcoma and to understand how serious it is, doctors use a few important tests. These help them know the exact type and location of the tumor so they can plan the best treatment.
Here are the main tests used:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Gives a detailed image of the soft tissue and helps see the tumor's size and depth.
- CT Scan (Computed Tomography): Often used if the tumor is in the abdomen or chest. Also checks if it has spread to other organs.
- Ultrasound: Sometimes used first to check the lump, especially in soft tissues like legs or arms.
- Biopsy: A small piece of the lump is taken and checked under a microscope to confirm if it's liposarcoma.
- PET Scan: This may be done to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
These tests not only help with diagnosis but also with planning surgery or treatment. The earlier this process starts, the better the chances of managing liposarcoma effectively.
How Is Liposarcoma Treated?
Liposarcoma is a rare type of cancer that begins in fat cells, and treating it depends on the size, location, and stage of the tumor. The goal is to remove or shrink the tumor and prevent it from coming back. Doctors typically recommend a combination of treatments to achieve the best results.
Common treatment options include:
- Surgery: This is the most common treatment. The goal is to remove the entire tumor, along with some healthy tissue around it to make sure no cancer cells are left behind.
- Radiation Therapy: Often used before or after surgery to shrink the tumor or kill any remaining cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Used in some cases where the cancer has spread or cannot be removed completely. It uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells.
- Targeted Therapy: In certain types of liposarcoma, newer medicines may be used to target specific cancer cell features.
Your doctor will create a treatment plan based on your individual case. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can improve outcomes, and regular checkups after treatment help ensure the cancer doesn't return.
What Are the Treatment Side Effects for Liposarcoma?
While treatment for liposarcoma can be effective, it may come with side effects depending on the type of therapy used. Everyone reacts differently, and some side effects may be mild, while others can be more noticeable.
Possible side effects of treatment include:
- After Surgery:
- Pain, swelling, or stiffness near the surgery area
- Scarring or weakness in nearby muscles
- Radiation Therapy:
- Skin changes like redness or dryness
- Fatigue
- Swelling or discomfort in the treated area
- Chemotherapy:
- Feeling tired or weak
- Nausea or vomiting
- Hair loss
- Increased risk of infections
- Emotional Effects:
- Anxiety, fear of recurrence, or stress during recovery
- Mood changes due to treatment stress or physical discomfort
Doctors will help manage these side effects with medicines, physical therapy, or lifestyle tips. It's important to share how you're feeling during treatment so your care team can support you. Most side effects improve with time and proper care after treatment ends.
When Should You See a Doctor for Liposarcoma?
Liposarcoma is a rare type of cancer that starts in fat tissue, often deep inside your arms, legs, or abdomen. Because it grows slowly, it might not show clear signs early on. That's why it's important to pay attention to any unusual changes in your body, even if they don't seem painful.
You should see a doctor if you notice:
- A lump or swelling under the skin that keeps growing
- A painless mass that feels deep and firm
- Discomfort or fullness in the belly
- Numbness or tingling in arms or legs
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Even if a lump isn't painful, it could still be serious. It's always better to get it checked early than to wait. Many people ignore soft lumps thinking they're harmless, but with liposarcoma, early diagnosis helps with better treatment options.
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What Is the Recovery Process After Liposarcoma Treatment?
Recovering from liposarcoma treatment can take time, but with the right care and support, most people regain strength and adjust well. Your recovery will depend on the type of treatment you received, surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, and where the tumor was located.
Here's what to expect during recovery:
- Follow-up appointments
- Wound care
- Physical therapy
- A balanced diet and enough rest
- Emotional support
Stay in touch with your doctor and follow their instructions closely. Healing is a process, but with time and care, most people can return to regular life and activities.
What Precautions Can Help Prevent Liposarcoma?
While liposarcoma can't always be prevented, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk and avoid complications:
Helpful precautions:
- Go for regular check-ups, especially if you've had liposarcoma before
- Report any new lumps or swelling to your doctor right away
- Avoid smoking and limit exposure to harmful chemicals
- Eat a healthy diet and maintain a healthy weight
- Stay physically active to support your immune system
Possible complications if untreated or advanced:
- Tumor growth may press on nearby organs or tissues
- Pain or limited movement, especially if the tumor is near a joint
- Risk of recurrence even after treatment
- In rare cases, spread to other parts of the body (metastasis)
Early detection and regular follow-ups make a big difference. If you have concerns, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Our Experience Treating Liposarcoma
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with liposarcoma, don't panic, and remember the cure is available.
At Medicover, we've walked this path with many patients and families. We know that early diagnosis and the right treatment can make all the difference. Our team of experienced cancer specialists is here to support you at every step.
Here's how we care for you:
- Expert Oncologists & Surgeons experienced in treating soft tissue cancers
- Advanced diagnostics to catch the disease early and accurately
- Modern treatment options, including surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy
- Personalised care plans designed for your specific condition
- Emotional and psychological support for you and your family
We believe in hope, healing, and strength, and we'll be with you throughout your journey. You're stronger than you think, and we're here to help.
