Presentation
Mid-scapular pain.
Patient Data
Age: 75 years
Gender: Male
From the case:
Liposarcoma of the spine
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The T1-weighted, sagittal image shows dark signal in the area of a large mass in the upper thoracic spinal canal. The T1-weighted, fat suppressed sagittal and axial images with gadolinium enhancement shows a heterogenous, diffusely enhancing mass involving the thoracic spinal canal. The spinal canal and cord are compressed and displaced anteriorly.
Case Discussion
Liposarcoma is the most common soft tissue sarcoma with a peak incidence in the 5th decade. It usually involves the thigh, lower leg, retroperitoneum, or buttock. Metastases are uncommon with well differentiated tumors but occur more frequently with pleomorphic and round cell types. Lungs and viscera are the most common sites for metastases.