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Characteristics of Liposarcoma Cancer

Sarcomas of this classification originate in fat cells and are the second most common soft-tissue sarcoma, with approximately 2,000 cases per year diagnosed in the United States. This disease occurs most frequently in middle-aged and older adults (age 40 and above).

Typically, patients will notice the presence of a painless deep-seated mass in their soft tissue. If the tumor increases in size, then pain or functional impairment is likely to occur.

Cancer of the Connective TissuesLiposarcoma can be categorized into three families:

  1. well-differentiated and/or dedifferentiated (~50%)
  2. myxoid and/or round cell (~40%)
  3. pleomorphic (10%)

Each has its own specific biology and risk of recurrence or spread and as a result, each requires its own unique treatment.

Our patients receive personal and individualized attention from the most prestigious oncologists worldwide which makes us uniquely qualified to manage the medical complexity of each case in its entirety. We are intimately involved in our patients’ care and collaborate with surgeons, pathologists radiation oncologists, and radiologists from other renowned institutions to ensure that our patients’ goals and best interests are at the forefront of their cancer treatment and that limb preservation is a top priority.

Types of Connective Tissue Cancers

Sarcoma Oncology Center specializes in liposarcoma and its family of other soft tissue subtypes, including the following variants:

Well-differentiated Liposarcoma – This type of liposarcoma resides in the abdominal cavity or in an arm or leg. It presents as a large painless mass but it is a less aggressive subtype.

Myxoid Liposarcoma – A common form of liposarcoma, myxoid sarcoma cancer tumors occur in the leg with a high risk of recurring in other soft tissue sites or in bones (such as the spine and pelvis).

Round Cell Liposarcoma – A round cell liposarcoma is a more common type of liposarcoma and similar in occurrence to myxoid liposarcoma. Tumors occur in the leg and also have the same high risk of recurring in other soft tissue sites or in bones such as the spine and pelvis.

Pleomorphic Liposarcoma – A least common form of liposarcoma that affects an arm or leg, a pleomorphic sarcoma is often more aggressive than other liposarcomas, spreading to other sites of the body such as lung and into soft tissue.

Mixed-Type Liposarcoma – A very rare type of liposarcoma, a mixed-type liposarcoma is a combination of two or more subtypes from this classification.

Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma – A more aggressive version of well-differentiated liposarcoma, a dedifferentiated liposarcoma is less aggressive than sarcomas identified as “high-grade.”

Prognosis

Sarcoma and cancer treatment options and prognosis (chance of recovery) depend on the following:

  • Site of originating malignant tumor
  • Type of cancer cell
  • Tumor size
  • Tumor depth and proximity to lymph nodes
  • Patient age and medical history

Each sarcoma is unique just as each patient is unique. There are many variables that affect prognosis and cancer treatment. We encourage new patients to consult with their primary care doctor or oncologist regarding their circumstances prior to a medical care decision.

Treatment

Sarcomas are best treated with a team-oriented and multi-modal approach coupled with consideration for the disease’s complexity. The Sarcoma Oncology Center in Santa Monica develops individualized plans that consider the uniqueness of each case such as the tumor’s grade and stage, prior cancer treatments (if any), the disease’s progress, biopsy analysis and any other factors unique to each patient.

Our sarcoma doctors in Los Angeles are worldwide leaders in sarcoma research and cutting edge clinical research trials. Working with prominent surgeons, pathologists, and radiation oncologists from prominent institutions in Los Angeles such as UCLA, USC, Stanford, M.D. Anderson, St. John’s and Cedars Sinai, we collaborate to develop and implement an effective multi-modal cancer treatment plan for each case, with an emphasis on limb preservation. We have access to the most advanced cancer drugs which enable us to exceed standard cancer care for the best liposarcoma treatment possible.

Clinical Trials at Sarcoma Oncology Center

At the Sarcoma Oncology Center in Los Angeles, our expert oncologists, such as Dr. Chawla, are actively involved in clinical trials of the newest drugs and work with a team of experts to develop the best sarcoma treatment plan for each individual.

Dr. Chawla in Los Angeles is the international principal investigator of Yondelis (Trabectedin) which is the most effective treatment for liposarcoma. This medicine has been approved in many countries and pending approval in the United States.

To learn more about liposarcoma treatment and management, please visit Wikipedia.com.

Contact the Sarcoma Experts for More Information

The Sarcoma Oncology Center in Santa Monica offers patients the best possible cancer treatments, taking an integrative approach to sarcoma care, and considers the physical and emotional well-being of each individual. Please contact our center at 310-552-9999 to schedule a consultation with one of our specialists.

Next, learn about fibrohistiocytic sarcomas.