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Well-differentiated liposarcoma - thigh

Case contributed by Domenico Nicoletti
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Swelling of the posterior distal left thigh for six months

Patient Data

Age: 70 years
Gender: Male

Left thigh

mri

In the posterior compartment of the left thigh, there is a well-circumscribed mass with a main adipose component with a central irregularly solid component. It displays contrast enhancement.

The neurovascular bundle and the bone are not infiltrated.

Surgical excision was performed.

Resection of the mass

mri

No definite evidence of enhancing mass can be seen in the surgical bed. 

Case Discussion

The well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLS) is the most common type of liposarcoma. WDLS presents as a painless, slowly growing tumor, usually in the retroperitoneum or limbs. It consists of a proliferation of mature adipocytes.

WDLS usually present between 50 and 60 years of age, with a male predilection. It manifests as a slow-growing, painless mass, often in the retroperitoneum or the limbs and rarely in the spermatic cord or mediastinum.

The mass is usually solid. They may cause symptoms of urinary or bowel obstruction if the lesion compresses adjacent organs.

The prognosis of WDLS depends on tumor location. WDLS arising from extremities usually has a good prognosis after removal of the tumor, with a low risk of recurrence and low mortality.

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