LIPOSARCOMA

Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma; Pleomorphic Liposarcoma; Inflammatory Liposarcoma; Spindle Cell Liposarcoma; Myxoid Liposarcoma

Liposarcoma is a tumor that arises from fat tissue. The exact cause of liposarcoma is unknown but probably is related to genetic mutations. This tumor most often occurs in the extremities, but can be found in other parts of the body. Liposarcomas occur in tissue that is elastic and easily moved causing the tumors to exist a long time before symptoms become evident. Liposarcomas may start out as benign tumors, but later become malignant tumors and grow into surrounding tissues or organs. The most common subtypes of liposarcomas are well-differentiated, myxoid, pleomorphic, and dedifferentiated. Liposarcoma that is metastatic or recurrent is considered an aggressive tumor because it often spreads to other parts of the body. Some subtypes are prone to metastasis or recurrence. For example, distant metastases occur in nearly half of pleomorphic liposarcomas; recurrence in about 40% of dedifferentiated liposarcomas.

Diagnostic testing:

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  X-ray or MRI of the affected areas; and

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  Histologic examination of tissue by needle or surgical biopsy.

Physical findings: People with a liposarcoma may present with:

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  Painless swelling or a mass on the body that tends to be large, firm, and near underlying structures;

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  Pain or soreness caused by compressed nerves or muscles;

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  Limping or difficulties using the legs, feet, arms or hands; and

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  Reduced range of motion in the affected areas.

ICD-9: 171.X Depends on the location of the tumor

Liposarcomas most often occur in people between the ages of 40 years of age to 60 years of age. It may also occur in children during the teenage years. The prognosis of liposarcoma varies and is based on the size, location, and recurrence of the tumors.

The treatment for liposarcoma depends on the type, size, and location of the tumor, recurrence, and spread (metastasis) of the tumor. A combination of surgery and radiation therapy is most often used.

SUGGESTED PROGRAMMATIC ASSESSMENT*

Suggested MER for Evaluation:

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  Clinical history and examination that describes the diagnostic features of the impairment;

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  Biopsy reports; and

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  Imaging reports.

Suggested Listings for Evaluation:

REMARKS

Regional or distant metastases meets 13.04 A; recurrent disease meets 13.04 B.