Liposarcoma natural history

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alejandro Lemor, M.D. [2]

The natural history of liposarcoma depends on the histopathological sub-type and location of the tumor. If left untreated, liposarcomas may remain silent for a long time, especially if they are located in the retroperitoneum. Liposarcoma may metastasize to other organs. Lung is the most common location for metastatic disease. Retroperitoneal liposarcomas may affect adjacent organs and structures, that can lead to kidney disease or vascular compression. The prognosis of liposarcoma will depend on the histopathological sub-type. Atypical lipomatous neoplasm/well-differentiated liposarcoma has a low metastasis risk, but may recur locally. The prognosis for this sub-type is better than for other sub-types of liposarcoma. The 5-year disease free survival rate for liposarcoma located in the extremities is 74%.

• The natural history of liposarcoma depends on the histopathological sub-type and location of the tumor.
• If left untreated, liposarcomas may remain silent for a long time, especially if they are located in the retroperitoneum.^[1]
• The most common presentation of a liposarcoma located in the extremities is a painless growing mass without additional symptoms.

• Liposarcoma may metastasize to other organs.
• Lung is the most common location for metastatic disease.
• A myxoid liposarcoma metastasizes more commonly to extrapulmonary locations, such as retroperitoneum, pericardium, chest wall, pleura, and pelvic soft tissue.^[1]
• Retroperitoneal liposarcomas may affect adjacent organs and structures, that can lead to kidney disease or vascular compression.^[2]
• A case of pancreatitis has been reported due to a dedifferentiated retroperitoneal liposarcoma.^[3]
• Other complications can include:

• Intestinal obstruction, ischemia, and/or perforation^[4]
• Hydronephrosis^[5]
• Ureteric fistula
• Aortic rupture

• The prognosis of liposarcoma will depend on the histopathological sub-type.
• Atypical lipomatous neoplasm/well-differentiated liposarcoma has a low metastasis risk, but may recur locally. The prognosis for this sub-type is better than for other sub-types of liposarcoma.^[1]
• The pleomorphic liposarcoma has a high metastasis potential and a high recurrence rate. The 5-year disease free survival rate for pleomorphic liposarcoma is 40%.^[6]
• The 5-year disease free survival rate for liposarcoma located in the extremities is 74%.^[7]

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