Liposarcoma is a malignant tumor in soft tissue. In this case, it has fine tissue characteristics of fat cell precursors and fat cells.
What is liposarcoma?
Liposarcoma first appeared in 1857 and was described by Rudolf Virchow. On average, the tumor occurs around the age of 50 to 70, but it can certainly be seen in children and young adults. Men are usually affected by liposarcoma slightly more often than women, but the rate is rather low. As a rule, liposarcoma is only conspicuous at an advanced stage and then appears as a rather slow-growing, deep-lying tumorous tissue mass. The tumor classically occurs mostly in the trunk of the body as well as in the spine and thorax, but can also affect the posterior abdominal cavity. Liposarcoma can also develop on the arms and legs. Metastases of the tumor are usually found in the lungs, but can also affect the peritoneum, diaphragm, and pericardium.
Causes
The causes of liposarcoma are largely unknown. However, it has now been established that there is a link between previous injuries or even ionizing radiation (e.g., from previous radiation treatment). The benign fatty tissue tumor, the so-called lipoma, is generally not a precursor disease, but in individual cases it can certainly lead to the development of a liposarcoma. Genetic causes are now also under discussion, although this theory cannot be clearly confirmed. Regardless of the possible causes, however, most liposarcomas are due to spontaneous development.
Symptoms, complaints, and signs
Liposarcoma can cause a number of symptoms. If it is a benign tumor, there is usually only minor swelling around the joints. These can disturb the course of movement, but are otherwise harmless. A malignant tumor also manifests itself at the beginning by a painful swelling that grows strongly within a few weeks or months. The swelling subsequently persists and does not subside on its own. With increasing tumor size, movement restrictions also frequently occur. In the further course, pain and an unpleasant feeling of pressure in the affected area are added. In addition, general signs of illness may occur. Typical symptoms include fatigue and impaired physical and mental performance, as well as impaired consciousness, such as dizziness or visual disturbances. In addition, a slight fever sets in, during which the body temperature can rise up to 38 degrees Celsius. Those affected often lose weight and subsequently suffer from deficiency symptoms, for example feelings of weakness and skin irritations. Externally, a soft tissue tumor can manifest itself through pallor and a generally sickly appearance. Symptoms usually develop over the course of months and are often not recognized until the liposarcoma has already grown considerably.
Diagnosis and progression
Liposarcoma is diagnosed using imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and angiography or even scintigraphy. With these diagnostic tools, it is at least possible to preliminarily assess how far the tumor has already spread in the tissue. However, in order to be able to make a definite diagnosis, a biopsy with subsequent histological examination by an experienced pathologist is necessary. Initial symptoms such as fatigue, tiredness, weight loss, and nausea and vomiting may be the first signs of disease, but are not definitive indications. Often the patient shows swelling, especially in the arms and legs, which then leads to the initiation of further investigations. Generally, however, liposarcoma is detected quite late. Liposarcoma is basically curable. However, the cure usually depends on the size and stadíum of the tumor. The possible formation of metastases also plays a role. However, if conditions are good, the recurrence rate is rather low.
Complications
Those affected by liposarcoma suffer from severe growths. These can thereby occur in various parts of the body and lead to aesthetic complaints. It is not uncommon for patients to suffer from reduced self-esteem or depression and inferiority complexes as a result.Likewise, there is a marked fatigue and tiredness of the affected person. Patients also continue to lose weight and suffer from vomiting or nausea. It is not uncommon for this to result in weight loss or various deficiency symptoms. Similarly, swelling may also occur in the affected areas. In most cases, the disease is diagnosed relatively late, so that treatment can usually also be started late. The treatment of this disease is carried out with the help of radiation therapy. There are no particular complications. However, it cannot be guaranteed that the treatment will actually lead to a positive course of the disease. It is not uncommon for liposarcoma to lead to a significantly reduced life expectancy for the patient. Chemotherapy can also lead to various side effects. The further course also depends on whether metastases have formed in the body.
When should you go to the doctor?
Swelling of the joints or restrictions in the usual range of motion should be examined by a doctor. If there are ulcers on the body, changes in the usual appearance of the skin, or poor posture, a doctor must be consulted. Interruptions of the usual movement sequences, a crooked posture or a restriction of mobility must be examined and treated. If pain develops or the symptoms increase in extent, a doctor should be consulted. If existing swellings increase in size, this is cause for concern. A visit to the doctor should be initiated as soon as possible. In case of disturbances of consciousness, increasing fatigue or dizziness, a visit to the doctor is necessary. Diffuse functional disorders, a general weakness or a decrease in the usual level of performance should be clarified by a physician. A doctor’s visit is required for a pale appearance, disturbances in blood flow, or changes in heart rhythm. The affected person needs medical care to avoid further complications or disorders. A feeling of tightness, digestive problems or weight loss are other indications that need medical attention. If the usual activities or leisure activities can no longer be performed, if shortness of breath develops or if the affected person has a general feeling of illness, a doctor should be consulted. If, in addition, psychological problems or behavioral abnormalities occur, these observations should also be discussed with a physician.
Treatment and therapy
Once the findings and diagnosis have been completed, treatment of liposarcoma can begin. The design of the treatment depends on the stage of the tumor. Here, the earlier the disease is detected, the more successful the therapy can ultimately be. In the case of highly differentiated tumors without metastases, only surgical removal of the tumorous tissue is possible. It is important that a proper safety margin is maintained and that the tissue is completely removed, otherwise the probability of recurrence is high. However, if the liposarcoma is very large and has also grown into other organs, only radiotherapy can help. With the help of radiotherapy, an attempt is made to reduce the size of the existing tissue, so that the tumor tissue can then be surgically removed. Radiation therapy may also be necessary after an operation that has already been performed, if the tumor had to be removed without the necessary safety margin. The last and for the patient most exhausting means of choice for the treatment of liposarcoma is chemotherapy. It is used only when the disease is at an advanced stage and metastases have already formed. In this case, it is not only used for the general treatment of the tumor, but also usually alleviates the symptoms typical of the disease.
Outlook and prognosis
Liposarcoma occurs remarkably often in men beyond the age of 50. In almost half of the cases, it is located on the thigh. The prospects for cure depend on its nature and extent. Furthermore, the prognosis is influenced by whether metastasis has occurred. In relation to all cases, more than 80 percent of those with the disease are still alive after the fifth year of diagnosis. In contrast, pleomorphic liposarcoma has the worst expected prognosis. Only one in five survives the fifth year after the start of therapy.Some patients do not even notice the liposarcoma at first. The absence of symptoms poses problems for diagnosis and early therapy. For complete and lifelong freedom from symptoms, it is crucial that the tumor be removed completely. If this is not successful, the tumor will continue to grow. The start of treatment should not be delayed. Otherwise, the risk of metastasis, which mainly affects the lungs, increases. In practice, there is a high probability of recurrence. Therefore, doctors strongly advise close follow-up. In every second person with the disease, a new liposarcoma can be detected after some time.
Prevention
Unfortunately, advice on prevention liposarcoma can not be given by medical professionals. The reason for this is that there is still a great deal of uncertainty about the development and causes of the tumor.
Aftercare
Due to liposarcoma, affected individuals suffer in their external appearance. Therefore, aftercare focuses on promoting a self-confident approach to the disease. The help of a professional psychologist can be supportive. This can sometimes also prevent the development of severe depression and other mental illnesses. There is a constant feeling of tiredness and fatigue, which is why those affected are dependent on the help of others in everyday life. Sharing experiences with others who are equally affected can help them to better accept the suffering associated with the disease and thus improve their quality of life. Thus, the focus of aftercare is primarily on reducing the mental burden of the symptoms and ongoing treatment.
Here’s what you can do yourself
Liposarcoma should definitely be treated by a doctor. Accompanying medical therapy, some home remedies and self-help measures can be used. First of all, it is important to remain calm and follow the instructions of the doctor in charge. Liposarcoma can be treated well nowadays and should not completely dominate everyday life and thoughts. Distraction – whether by going to the cinema or exercising – is the most effective means of coping mentally well with a cancer disease. Nevertheless, a tumor usually has an impact on the mental state. Those affected should therefore seek psychological counseling. Talking to other sufferers, for example in a self-help group, also helps in dealing with liposarcoma and other cancers. Exercise in the fresh air helps to reduce stress and can also positively support the healing process. After treatment is complete, the affected person should carefully watch for possible warning signs. In this way, a recurrence of the disease can be detected and treated at an early stage. Accompanying this, a healthy and balanced lifestyle should be maintained, as avoiding environmental toxins, stress and co. effectively prevents tumors.
