Liposarcoma

Overview

Liposarcoma is a rare type of cancer that originates in the fat cells. It can develop in various parts of the body, such as the belly or arms and legs. The cancer begins as an abnormal growth of cells and can cause symptoms like a lump under the skin, pain, swelling, or weakness in the affected limb. Liposarcoma is classified as a soft tissue sarcoma and can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or other combination therapies. The specific cause of liposarcoma is not clear, but it is believed to be related to genetic changes in the DNA of fat cells.

Understanding the disease

Symptoms

The symptoms of liposarcoma depend on the part of the body where the cancer forms. For liposarcoma in the arms and legs, common symptoms include a growing lump of tissue under the skin, pain, swelling, and weakness of the affected limb. For liposarcoma in the belly, symptoms may include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, feeling full sooner when eating, pain, swelling, and constipation. Additionally, there may be blood in the stool. If you have any symptoms that persist and concern you, it is important to make an appointment with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for liposarcoma include:

1. Inherited syndromes: Some genetic syndromes, such as familial retinoblastoma and neurofibromatosis type 1, can increase the risk of liposarcoma.
2. Radiation therapy for cancer: Previous exposure to radiation therapy has been linked to a higher risk of developing liposarcoma.
3. Chronic swelling (lymphedema): Lymphedema, which is caused by blocked or damaged lymphatic vessels, can increase the risk of developing angiosarcoma, a subtype of liposarcoma.

Development

Liposarcoma can develop in different ways. Some types of liposarcoma remain localized and do not spread to other parts of the body. In these cases, the cancer cells continue to produce more cells, causing the tumor to grow larger. Other types of liposarcoma, however, can spread to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis. This occurs when the cancer cells break away from the original tumor and travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to other areas of the body.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Triage

You should see a doctor if you have any symptoms that don't go away and that worry you. For liposarcoma, these symptoms may include:

• A growing lump of tissue under the skin in the arms or legs
• Pain or swelling in the affected area
• Weakness of the affected limb
• Abdominal pain, swelling, feeling full sooner when eating, constipation, or blood in stool (if it occurs in the belly) Please consult a healthcare professional for a proper evaluation and diagnosis if you experience any of these symptoms.

Diagnosis

To diagnose liposarcoma, doctors typically use a combination of imaging tests, biopsy procedures, and lab tests. Imaging tests such as X-ray, CT scan, and MRI help create images of the tumor and show its size. Sometimes a PET scan is also needed. A biopsy is performed to remove a sample of tissue for testing, which can be done through a needle or during surgery. Pathologists analyze the cells to determine if they are cancerous, and additional tests provide more details about the cancer. Finally, your healthcare team uses the results to understand your prognosis and create a treatment plan.

Management and Treatment

Complications

Potential complications of liposarcoma include the cancer spreading (metastasizing) to other areas of the body, making treatment and recovery more difficult. Liposarcoma most often spreads to the lungs and other bones. Other complications may arise from treatment, such as substantial side effects from aggressive chemotherapy, which can be both short-term and long-term. It is essential to discuss these potential complications with your healthcare team to manage them effectively during and after treatment.

Treatment

Treatment for liposarcoma typically involves surgery to remove the cancer. Other treatments, such as radiation therapy, may also be used depending on the specific case, the location of the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread beyond the original site.

Preparing for medical consultation

To prepare for an appointment for liposarcoma, you should:

1. See your usual doctor or health care professional if you have any symptoms that worry you. If necessary, you will be referred to an oncologist who specializes in cancer treatment.
2. Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. Ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restricting your diet.
3. Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including those that may seem unrelated to liposarcoma.
4. Make a list of all medications, vitamins, or supplements you're taking, including dosages and frequency.
5. Consider bringing a family member or friend along for support and to help remember important information.
6. Gather any relevant medical records, including previous scans or X-rays and pathology reports.
7. Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor, such as whether you have cancer, if additional tests are needed, and what treatment options are available. By being well-prepared, you can make the most of your time with your doctor and ensure that all your concerns are addressed.