Liposarcoma

Diagnosis

Mayo Clinic emphasizes a thorough evaluation using the latest technology to diagnose liposarcoma. To make a diagnosis, your doctor reviews your medical history, performs a physical exam, and may order blood and urine tests. Your doctor may also recommend some of the tests below.

Imaging tests

Mayo Clinic has an international reputation for top-quality imaging and rapid test results. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following imaging tests. In tests that involve radiation, specialists carefully monitor doses to avoid the risk of radiation overexposure.

• X-rays
• Computerized tomography (CT) scan
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Biopsy

Your doctor may remove a small sample of tissue (biopsy) for examination by a pathologist. Mayo Clinic's pathologists are internationally known for their expertise in assessing biopsies. Mayo offers specialized, advanced biopsy tissue staining techniques that require interpretation by expert pathologists, including the following.

• Immunohistochemistry. This form of tissue staining uses man-made (synthetic) chemicals that help identify proteins associated with sarcomas.
• Cytogenetic analysis. Based on the analysis of cells, this test identifies whether you have certain abnormal chromosomes that are common in people with sarcomas.
• Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). This test helps highlight changes in chromosomes that may be helpful in diagnosing sarcomas.
• Molecular genetic testing. This test looks for specific genes that change location (translocation) or gene mutations.

Doctors will determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread — a process called staging. The cancer stage and other factors will have an impact on which treatment your doctor recommends.

Read more about CT scan, MRI, PET scan and biopsy.