Dr. Francisco Bengoa
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Soft-tissue tumors

Pleomorphic liposarcoma

Soft tissueMalignant / sarcomaAdipocytic tumours

Epidemiology

A rare, high-grade subtype, generally in older adults and in the deep tissues of the limbs. Because it is high-grade and shows little fat on imaging, it can look like another pleomorphic sarcoma and requires expert pathology.

Basic features

It presents as a rapidly growing mass with pleomorphic cells and malignant adipocytic differentiation.

Usual treatment

It requires wide resection and radiotherapy, with evaluation of systemic treatment according to risk.

Outcomes and prognosis

It is the most aggressive liposarcoma: it has a higher risk of metastasis than the other subtypes and needs close surveillance.

Warning signs

These signs do not necessarily mean cancer, but they warrant evaluation before operating on or needling a mass.

  • A soft-tissue mass that grows, is larger than 5 cm, or is deep.
  • Persistent, night-time or progressive bone pain, especially if it limits activity.
  • A fracture from minimal trauma, or an aggressive bone lesion on an X-ray.
  • A lump that comes back after previous surgery.
  • Neurological symptoms, rapid swelling, or pain associated with a mass.

This information is general and does not replace a medical evaluation. A musculoskeletal tumor must be interpreted together with imaging, physical examination, biopsy when appropriate and each patient's context.

Specialist evaluation

If you have a mass, a bone lesion or a report suggesting a tumor, book an evaluation.

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