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Liposarcoma
Etiology

Unknown
Pathogenesis

Unknown,
Epidemiology

Tumor of adult life, with a peak incidence between 40 and 60 years of age.
Approximately 55 to 60% of tumors occur in men.
Retroperitoneal tumors occur somewhat more frequently in women.
There is no evidence that any race or geographical area is more prone to develop liposarcomas.
General Gross Description

The three most common locations are the thigh, the retroperitoneum, and the inguinal region.
Grossly, the sarcomas are large (5 to 10 centimeters) lesions that are well-circumscribed.
Liposarcomas typically manifest a lobulated appearance.
Cut section may reveal a mucinous appearance, especially if the myxoid component is prominent.
Typically, at least some evidence of yellow color, due to the lipid material, is present.
•Examples:
Liposarcoma Pleomorphic Liposarcoma Cut and external surfaces of a liposarcoma External surface of a liposarcoma Cut surface of a liposarcoma
General Microscopic Description

Histologically, the most common type is the myxoid type.
The tumor has three components: proliferating lipoblasts, a delicate capillary network, and a myxoid matrix containing abundant ground substance.
The typical feature of a liposarcoma is the presence of lipoblasts, usually appearing as cells with a foamy or signet ring appearance.
Some of these cells may,with an increase in lipid accumulation, resemble adult fat cells.
A branching capillary network, resembling a chickenwire fence, is one of the typical features of the myxoid liposarcoma.
The myxoid component also contains stellate myxomatous cells.
Some liposarcomas are poorly differentiated with small round cells resembling a malignant lymphoma.
However, typical lipoblasts and myxoid cells are often seen.
•Examples:
Low power view of a liposarcoma Medium power view of a liposarcoma Medium power view of a liposarcoma Medium power view of a liposarcoma Medium power view of a liposarcoma Low power view of an myxoid area in a liposarcoma Medium power view of an myxoid area in a liposarcoma High power view of an myxoid area in a liposarcoma
Clinical Correlation

Usually manifest as a slow growing, deep seated, poorly defined mass.
Rare instances may be associated with pain or tenderness early in the disease.
The tumor is usually large by the time the patient seeks medical attention.
Five year survival rates vary from 60 to 70%.
References


Cotran RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL: Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 5th edition. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1994, pp. 1262.

Search Medline at National Library of Medicine
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Liposarcoma
Synopsis by: T.V. Rajan M.D. Ph.D. (T1X000M88503)[90]
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