The term "liposarcoma" refers to a spectrum of neoplastic processes ranging from lesions that are essentially benign to those that are malignant, more aggressive, and likely to recur and/or metastasize (spread). Decisions regarding the treatment and aftercare of liposarcomas are guided by the known characteristics and behavior patterns of the various subtypes. While many of the principles governing the evaluation and management of other soft tissue sarcomas certainly apply to liposarcoma, there are many features unique to it that deserve special consideration. Management of these tumors requires a multidisciplinary team approach, and should be rendered in centers experienced in the many facets of care of sarcoma patients.
(Axial and coronal MR images showing a large but relatively homogeneous, well-defined lesion in the left groin/thigh of a 20 year old male. This lobular appearance is characteristic of large benign lipomas and well-differentiated liposarcomas.)
In relation to other types of cancer, soft tissue sarcomas are relatively rare. Approximately 5000 new cases of soft tissue sarcoma are diagnosed each year (Sim 1994) representing about 1% of all newly diagnosed human neoplasms (Lewis 1996). Liposarcoma itself constitutes about 9.8% to 18% of soft tissue sarcomas, its incidence second only to that of Malignant Fibrous Histiocytoma (MFH), (Peterson 2003, Enzinger 1995).
