Liposarcoma

Diagnosis

Patients often discover liposarcoma as a mass or swelling in a lower extremity or the trunk. As it develops, the tumor causes little to no pain or other symptoms. This makes early detection difficult. Some tumors may weigh several pounds before they are identified. People should seek medical attention for any mass that does not go away within a few days. Mayo Clinic specialist use the following tests and imaging techniques to evaluate and diagnose liposarcoma:

Ultrasound
Sound waves can be used to form images of the abdomen that identify the presence of a tumor. An ultrasound is performed by placing a probe on the surface of the abdomen while monitoring the image on the screen. This procedure is noninvasive and painless.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan
CT scans generate two-dimensional images of the body that can show whether cancer has invaded other tissues or organs. The CT scanners at Mayo Clinic use modern spiral CT technology (X-ray tube revolves around patient) and several CT scanners use multi-detector row spiral technology. Spiral CT scans produce high-resolution two-dimensional images, while multi-detector row spiral CT scans can create high-resolution three-dimensional images.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
MRI technology uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the area affected by the tumor. Designed to be highly sensitive, this technology can identify small abnormalities.

Biopsy
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy is sometimes used to rule out other conditions, but may be insufficient to diagnose liposarcoma. A surgery may be needed to gather a biopsy sample for accurate diagnosis. After a specialist gathers tissue, a pathologist looks at the cells under a microscope to discern if cancer cells are present. For small tumors the specialist may remove the entire mass during the biopsy procedure.

Angiography
In this procedure contrast dyes are injected into the bloodstream and then radiographic images are taken of the area near the tumor. Angiography is sometimes used to help surgeons plan the best approach to remove the tumor.