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Liposarcoma Treatment in Pune
At Sancheti Hospital, we provide specialized Liposarcoma care with cutting-edge surgical and medical oncology support for effective tumor control.
Overview
Liposarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in fat cells, also called adipocytes. It belongs to a group of rare cancers called soft tissue sarcomas (STS), which develop in the body’s connective tissues. While soft tissue sarcomas make up only about 1% of all adult cancers, liposarcomas are among the more common types within this group, accounting for about 15% to 20% of all soft tissue sarcomas.
This cancer typically affects older adults, with most people diagnosed between ages 50 and 65, though it can occur at any age. Liposarcoma can develop in fatty tissues anywhere in the body, including areas just under the skin or in deeper, harder-to-reach locations. Common sites include the arms and legs, the abdomen (particularly the space behind the abdominal cavity called the retroperitoneum), and behind the knee.
What makes liposarcoma particularly challenging is that it’s actually five different types of cancer, each behaving differently and responding to treatment in unique ways. While surgery is often the first line of treatment, these tumors typically don’t respond well to standard chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which is why researchers are working hard to develop new systemic therapy options.
Symptoms
The symptoms of liposarcoma depend largely on where the tumor is located and how big it has grown. In early stages, these tumors may not cause any noticeable symptoms, especially those growing in the abdomen where there’s plenty of room for expansion.
When liposarcoma develops in the arms or legs, you might notice:
- A growing lump under the skin that’s usually painless at first
- Pain or tenderness as the tumor presses on nearby nerves
- Swelling in the affected arm or leg
- Weakness in the affected limb
- Difficulty moving the arm or leg normally
When liposarcoma grows in the abdomen, symptoms may include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Bloating or feeling full quickly when eating
- Constipation
- Blood in stool or black, tarry stools
- Rarely, bloody vomit
- Trouble urinating due to pressure on the urinary tract
- Back pain, especially with tumors behind the abdomen
- Unintentional weight loss
- Swelling in the groin area
It’s important to know the difference between liposarcoma and a benign fatty lump called a lipoma. Lipomas are soft and can be moved around easily, while liposarcomas tend to be firmer and feel attached to surrounding tissue. Any new or growing lump, especially one larger than 5 centimeters (about the size of a golf ball), should be evaluated by a doctor promptly.
Causes
The exact cause of liposarcoma isn’t fully understood. What doctors do know is that liposarcoma develops when normal fat cells undergo changes in their DNA. DNA contains the instructions that tell cells how to function properly. When these genetic changes occur, fat cells begin to multiply uncontrollably, forming a tumor.
Unlike healthy cells that die as part of their natural life cycle, cancer cells continue to live and grow. In some types of liposarcoma, the cancer cells stay in one place and continue growing. In more aggressive forms, these cells can break away from the original tumor and spread to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis.
Research has identified at least 20 different genetic changes associated with liposarcoma, but scientists are still working to understand why these changes happen in the first place.
Risk Factors
While the exact causes remain unclear, certain factors may increase a person’s risk of developing liposarcoma:
- Previous radiation therapy: People who have received radiation therapy for other cancers (like breast cancer or lymphoma) may have a higher risk
- Exposure to toxic chemicals: Contact with certain industrial chemicals, such as vinyl chloride, has been linked to increased risk
- Inherited genetic conditions: Some rare genetic syndromes can increase the risk, including neurofibromatosis, Werner syndrome, and Li-Fraumeni syndrome
- Age: Most commonly affects people between 50 and 65 years old
- Gender: Some studies suggest men may be slightly more likely to develop liposarcoma
It’s important to note that liposarcomas don’t typically develop from lipomas (benign fatty lumps). Many people diagnosed with liposarcoma don’t have any identifiable risk factors. Lifestyle factors like smoking or diet haven’t been directly linked to increased risk.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing liposarcoma involves several steps, starting with a physical examination and review of symptoms. Because liposarcoma is rare, it’s crucial that the diagnostic process is thorough and accurate.
Key diagnostic procedures include:
- Imaging tests: These create detailed pictures of the inside of the body to determine the tumor‘s size, location, and relationship to surrounding structures
- X-rays
- CT (computed tomography) scans to locate tumors and assess their size
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans, often the preferred initial test because they can help distinguish liposarcoma from benign lipomas
- PET (positron emission tomography) scans to detect if cancer has spread
- Biopsy: A definitive diagnosis can only be made by examining tissue from the tumor under a microscope. This sample can be obtained through a needle inserted through the skin or during surgery
- Laboratory testing: The tissue sample is examined by specialists called pathologists who look for signs of cancer. Special tests help identify the specific type of liposarcoma and guide treatment planning. For example, certain genetic markers like MDM2 and CDK4 gene amplification indicate well-differentiated or dedifferentiated liposarcoma
Types
Liposarcoma is classified into five main types by the World Health Organization, each with distinct characteristics and behaviors:
Well-Differentiated Liposarcoma (WDLPS)/Atypical Lipomatous Tumor (ALT): The most common type, making up 40% to 50% of cases. These tumors are slow-growing and low-grade, with cells that look similar to normal fat cells. While they rarely spread to other parts of the body, they often come back after treatment and can transform into more aggressive types.
Dedifferentiated Liposarcoma (DDLPS): A high-grade, aggressive type that often develops from existing well-differentiated liposarcoma. These tumors no longer look like fat cells and have high rates of coming back both locally and spreading to other parts of the body.
Myxoid/Round-Cell Liposarcoma (MLPS/MRCL): The second most common type, accounting for about 30% of cases. This type typically affects younger adults and often occurs in the thigh. It has a specific genetic change that makes it more responsive to chemotherapy and radiation therapy compared to other types.
Pleomorphic Liposarcoma (PLPS): The rarest and most aggressive form, making up 5% to 10% of cases. It grows rapidly and has a high potential to spread to distant sites, particularly the lungs. It typically affects people over 50 and rarely occurs in children.
Myxoid-Pleomorphic Liposarcoma (MPL): A newly recognized, extremely rare and highly aggressive form. Due to its recent classification, understanding of this type is still evolving.
Stages
Staging helps doctors determine how advanced the cancer is and plan the best treatment approach. Liposarcoma staging considers several factors:
- Tumor extent: The size and local spread of the tumor
- Lymph node involvement: Whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
- Metastasis: Whether cancer has spread to distant parts of the body
- Grade: How abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope, which helps predict how quickly the tumor might grow
The grade is particularly important for sarcomas and is based on how different the cancer cells look from normal cells, how fast they’re dividing, and how much dead tissue is present in the tumor. Higher-grade tumors generally have a worse prognosis.
Treatment
Treatment for liposarcoma is highly individualized and depends on the type, location, size, grade, and whether it has spread. A team approach involving surgeons, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists is essential.
Primary treatment options include:
Surgery: The main treatment for localized liposarcoma. The goal is to remove the entire tumor with clear margins, meaning no cancer cells are left behind. This is often easier for tumors in the arms or legs but can be challenging for abdominal tumors due to their proximity to vital organs.
Radiation therapy: Often used along with surgery to improve local control. It can be given before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells. Myxoid liposarcoma is particularly responsive to radiation.
Chemotherapy: The effectiveness varies significantly among liposarcoma types. Myxoid and pleomorphic liposarcomas are generally more responsive to chemotherapy, while well-differentiated and dedifferentiated types are often resistant. Common drugs include doxorubicin, sometimes combined with ifosfamide.
Advanced treatment options for patients who don’t respond to standard treatments include trabectedin and eribulin, which have shown particular effectiveness in certain types of liposarcoma.
Targeted therapies are emerging treatments that focus on specific genetic changes in liposarcoma cells:
- MDM2 antagonists for well-differentiated and dedifferentiated liposarcomas
- CDK4/6 inhibitors that block cell division
- Immunotherapy approaches that help the immune system fight cancer
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in recovery from liposarcoma treatment. The specific needs vary depending on the tumor’s location, the extent of surgery, and side effects from other treatments.
Rehabilitation may include:
- Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility
- Occupational therapy to help with daily activities
- Pain management strategies
- Psychological support to address the emotional impact of living with a rare cancer
The rehabilitation team works closely with patients to help them regain function and adapt to any physical changes resulting from treatment.
Complications
Liposarcoma can lead to serious complications if left untreated or if it returns after treatment:
Local effects from tumor growth:
- Pain and tenderness
- Organ dysfunction (such as bowel obstruction or breathing difficulties)
- Swelling due to compression of blood vessels or lymphatic vessels
Metastasis: The spread of cancer to other parts of the body, which is more common in aggressive types like pleomorphic liposarcoma. The lungs are a common site for distant spread.
Recurrence: A major challenge in liposarcoma management, with high rates of tumors returning even after seemingly complete removal. This is particularly common with abdominal tumors.
Treatment-related side effects: Surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can cause complications including wound problems, infections, fatigue, and damage to healthy tissues.
Prevention
Unfortunately, there are no known definitive ways to prevent liposarcoma. Since the exact causes aren’t fully understood, and many patients develop the disease without any identifiable risk factors, prevention strategies are limited.
General recommendations include:
- Avoiding unnecessary exposure to radiation
- Limiting contact with toxic chemicals like vinyl chloride when possible
- Following safety guidelines in industrial settings
However, for most people, there isn’t a clear preventable cause. Ongoing research continues to explore the origins of liposarcoma to potentially identify new prevention strategies.
Living With Liposarcoma
Living with liposarcoma requires ongoing monitoring and support due to the high risk of recurrence in many types.
Key aspects of long-term care include:
Regular follow-up: Due to high recurrence rates, regular check-ups are essential. This typically involves physical exams and imaging scans (MRI or CT) to watch for signs of new tumors or spread. Follow-up may continue for at least 10 years after initial treatment.
Personalized care: Each liposarcoma type behaves differently, so treatment plans are tailored to individual situations. Your healthcare team is the best source for information about your specific situation and what to expect.
Potential for multiple treatments: Some patients may need more than one surgery or additional systemic therapy if the cancer returns or spreads.
Key Takeaways
- Liposarcoma is a rare soft tissue sarcoma with five distinct subtypes that vary in aggressiveness and treatment response
- Early symptoms may be subtle, often presenting as painless lumps that gradually increase in size
- Diagnosis requires specialized imaging and genetic testing to determine the specific subtype
- Surgery remains the primary treatment, often combined with radiation therapy and emerging targeted therapies
- Recurrence rates are high, particularly for abdominal tumors, making long-term follow-up essential
- New treatment approaches including immunotherapy and targeted therapies offer hope for improved outcomes
At Sancheti Hospital, we understand that facing a liposarcoma diagnosis can be overwhelming, especially given its rarity and complexity. Our multidisciplinary team of experienced oncologists, surgeons, and support specialists is dedicated to providing comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
We combine advanced diagnostic capabilities with cutting-edge treatment options, including access to the latest targeted therapies and clinical trials. Our commitment extends beyond medical treatment to include comprehensive rehabilitation services, psychological support, and long-term follow-up care.
We believe in empowering our patients with knowledge and involving them as partners in their care journey. At Sancheti Hospital, you’re not just receiving treatment – you’re joining a supportive community dedicated to fighting rare cancers with expertise, compassion, and hope.
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Patient Stories & Experiences
The pain in my left knee left me feeling helpless for years. After my treatment here, I can finally say I'm pain-free.
Vinita Singh
The nerves were swollen, and the body went numb. But thanks to Sancheti Hospital, I got a second life!
Parvati
I finally could walk again, a relief I've only felt after the hip pain surgery. I thank the doctors at Sancheti Hospital for their help.
Balaji Kharat
I'm a police officer, and I'm extremely thankful to Sancheti Hospital for treating my fracture without surgery.
Shantilal
My life has completely changed after the knee replacement surgery at Sancheti Hospital. It's like I can finally live again!
Kalpana Lepcha
The knee pain I've carried for years finally went away with the help of Sancheti Hospital.
Karuna
I can't believe that I get to finally live a normal and happy life, all thanks to the knee surgery I had at Sancheti Hospital.
Kishore Bhosle
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for liposarcoma to grow and become dangerous?
Growth rate varies by type. Well-differentiated liposarcoma can grow slowly over months to years, while pleomorphic liposarcoma grows rapidly within weeks to months. Most people notice symptoms when the tumor reaches 5-10 cm, but abdominal tumors can grow much larger before causing problems.
What should I do if I find a lump that might be liposarcoma?
See a doctor immediately if the lump is larger than 5 cm, feels hard or fixed to surrounding tissue, grows quickly, or causes pain. Don’t wait – early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist for proper evaluation.
Can I live a normal life after liposarcoma treatment?
Many patients return to normal activities after treatment, though recovery time varies. Limb tumors may require physical therapy but often allow full recovery. Abdominal tumors may cause more long-term changes. The key is following your rehabilitation plan and attending all follow-up appointments.
What are the warning signs that liposarcoma has come back?
Watch for new lumps or swelling, unexplained pain in the original area, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, or breathing difficulties. Any concerning symptoms should prompt immediate medical attention. Regular follow-up scans help detect recurrence before symptoms appear.
