Description

Liposarcoma is a rare type of cancer that begins in the fat cells. Most often begins as a growth of the cells in the womb or in the arm and leg muscles. But liposarcoma can start in the fat cells in any part of the body.

Liposarcoma occurs most often in older adults, but can occur at any age.

Liposarcoma treatment usually involves surgery to remove the cancer. Other treatments, such as radiation therapy, can also be used.

Liposarcoma is a type of cancer called soft tissue sarcoma. These cancers occur in the body of the connective tissues. There are many types of soft tissue sarcoma.

Symptoms

Liposarcoma symptoms depend on the part of the body where the cancer forms.

Liposarcoma in the arms and legs can cause:

  • A growing lump of tissue under the skin.
  • Pain.
  • The swelling.
  • The weakness of the affected limb.

Liposarcoma in the womb, also called the abdomen, it can cause:

  • The Abdominal pain.
  • The Abdominal swelling.
  • The feeling of satiety before lunch time.
  • The constipation.
  • Blood in the stool.

When to see a doctor

Make an appointment with a doctor or other health care professional if you have any of the symptoms that will not disappear and are a cause of concern.

Causes

It is not clear what causes liposarcoma.

Liposarcoma is started when the fat cells get changes in their DNA. A cell's DNA contains the instructions that tell the cell what to do. The shift changes of the fat cells in the cancer cells. The changes tell cancer cells to grow quickly and make a lot of extra cells. The cancer cells to continue living when healthy cells would die as part of their natural life cycle.

The cancer cells in the form of growth, called a tumor. In some types of liposarcoma, the cancer cells to stay. Continue doing more of the cells, causing the tumor is larger. In other types of liposarcoma, the cancer cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body. When the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, is called metastatic cancer.

Diagnosis

Tests and procedures used to diagnose liposarcoma include:

  • Imaging tests. Imaging tests create pictures of the inside of the body. They can help show the size of the liposarcoma. The tests may include x-rays, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging . Sometimes a positron emission tomography scan, also called PET, which is needed.
  • The removal of a sample of tissue for analysis. A procedure to extract some cells for the test is called a biopsy. The sample can be removed with a needle through the skin. Or the sample may be taken during surgery to remove the cancer. The type of biopsy depends on the cancer's location.
  • The evidence of the cancer cells in a laboratory. The biopsy sample goes to a lab for analysis. Doctors who specialize in the analysis of the blood and the tissue of the body, called pathologists, test the cells to see if they are cancerous. Other special tests to give more details. Your health care team uses the results to understand their prognosis and to create a treatment plan.

Treatment

The treatments for the liposarcoma include:

  • Surgery.The goal of surgery is to remove all the cancer cells. Whenever possible, surgeons work to remove all of the liposarcoma without damaging the surrounding organs. If a liposarcoma grows to involve nearby organs, the removal of all liposarcoma may not be possible. In these situations, your health care team may recommend other treatments to reduce the liposarcoma. That will make it easier to remove during an operation.
  • The radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. The energy can come from X-rays, protons or other sources. The radiation may be used after surgery to destroy any cancer cells that remain. The radiation can also be used before surgery to reduce the size of a tumor, it is more likely that surgeons can remove the tumor in its entirety.
  • Chemotherapy.Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to kill cancer cells. Some chemotherapy drugs are given through a vein, and some are taken in pill form. Not all types of liposarcoma are sensitive to chemotherapy. Careful with the evidence of the cancer cells can show whether chemotherapy is likely to help you. Chemotherapy may be used after surgery to destroy any cancer cells that remain. It can also be used before surgery to shrink the tumor. Chemotherapy is sometimes combined with radiation therapy.
  • Clinical trials. Clinical trials are studies of new treatments. These studies give the opportunity to try the latest treatment options. The risk of side effects may not be known. Ask a member of your health care team if you can participate in a clinical trial.

Surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove all the cancer cells. Whenever possible, surgeons work to remove all of the liposarcoma without damaging the surrounding organs.

If a liposarcoma grows to involve nearby organs, the removal of all liposarcoma may not be possible. In these situations, your health care team may recommend other treatments to reduce the liposarcoma. That will make it easier to remove during an operation.

Chemotherapy. Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to kill cancer cells. Some chemotherapy drugs are given through a vein, and some are taken in pill form. Not all types of liposarcoma are sensitive to chemotherapy. Careful with the evidence of the cancer cells can show whether chemotherapy is likely to help you.

Chemotherapy may be used after surgery to destroy any cancer cells that remain. It can also be used before surgery to shrink the tumor. Chemotherapy is sometimes combined with radiation therapy.

Preparing for your appointment

Start by seeing your regular doctor or another health professional if you have any symptoms that worry you. If you are diagnosed with liposarcoma, probably refers to a doctor who specializes in the treatment of cancer is called an oncologist.

Because appointments can be brief, and because there is a lot to discuss, it is a good idea to be prepared. Here's some information to help you prepare.

What you can do

  • Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time of making the appointment, ask if there is something that you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
  • Write down your symptoms, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
  • Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you are taking. Know how much to take and when to take it. Also tell your doctor why you are taking each medication.
  • Consider the possibility of a family member or friend. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who goes with you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Write questions to ask.

Your time with your doctor is limited, so having a list of questions can help you make the most of their time together. A list of questions from most important to least important in case time runs out. In general, focus on your top three questions. For liposarcoma, some basic questions to ask include:

  • Do I have cancer?
  • I need more tests?
  • I have a copy of my pathology report?
  • What are my treatment options?
  • What are the possible risks of each treatment option?
  • Can any of the treatments cure my cancer?
  • There is a treatment you think is best for me?
  • If you have a friend or family member in my situation, what would you recommend?
  • How much time can I take for choosing a treatment?
  • How will cancer treatment affect my daily life?
  • You should see a specialist? What will that cost, and will my insurance cover it?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What sites do you recommend?
  • What would happen if I decide not to have treatment?

In addition to the questions you have prepared, do not hesitate to ask questions during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Be prepared to answer some basic questions about your symptoms. The questions may include:

  • When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
  • The symptoms been continuous or occasional?
  • How severe are the symptoms?
  • What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
  • What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
Symptoms and treatment of Liposarcoma