Mayo Clinic home page [logo]

Search

  • Print
  • Share
close

Share this on...

Share this site with others using one of these sharing tools.

 

Link to this article

To link to this article, paste this block of HTML code onto your webpage.

Guidelines for sites linking to mayoclinic.org

Liposarcoma

Overview

The experienced medical staff at Mayo Clinic treat a wide spectrum of sarcomas, including liposarcoma, each year. Patients and their families can expect comprehensive, compassionate care that includes the most recent advances in diagnostic and treatment options. The National Cancer Institute has designated Mayo Clinic Cancer Center a comprehensive cancer center in recognition of its superior depth and breadth of capabilities. The multidisciplinary team of experts who provide medical care for liposarcoma patients includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, orthopedic oncologists (orthopedic surgeons who specialize in bone and soft tissue tumors), plastic surgeons, vascular surgeons and rehabilitation experts.

Diagnosis

A doctor should examine any lump or mass that does not go away within a few days. An X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to evaluate the mass. Blood and urine tests also provide clues to specialists. To diagnose liposarcoma, a specialist must biopsy the mass. Angiography may be used to help plan the tumor's surgical removal. Read more about diagnosis of liposarcoma.

Treatment Options

Physicians at Mayo Clinic treat liposarcoma with the latest techniques in surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Usually a combination of these options offers the best chance to successfully treat the disease. Liposarcoma treatment is planned with two goals in mind: to cure the cancer and to save as much function of the affected area as possible. Read more about treatment for liposarcoma.

About Liposarcoma

Liposarcoma is a rare, malignant tumor that develops from fat cells. These tumors typically appear in the deep fat tissues of the thigh or abdomen in people ages 50 to 70. Liposarcoma is the most common form of soft tissue sarcoma that occurs in adults. About 17 percent of soft tissue sarcoma cases are diagnosed as liposarcoma.

Request Appointment

Request an Appointment

  • Arizona
  • Florida
  • Minnesota
Terms of Use and Information Applicable to this Site
Copyright ©2001-2010 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. All Rights Reserved.

.