Are you worried about a lump somewhere on your body? Maybe it's on your leg, arm, or stomach. Most of the time, these common fatty tumors (Lipoma) are not dangerous, but in rare cases, they can be cancerous. Today, we're going to talk about a rare type of cancer that starts in the fat cells in our body. We call this Liposarcoma. Don't worry, let's explain everything in simple terms.
What is Liposarcoma simply?
Simply put, Liposarcoma is a type of cancer that starts in the fat cells in our body. It is a very rare type of cancer. Although they can develop anywhere on the body, they are most commonly found in the abdomen, arms, and legs. They belong to a larger group of cancers called soft tissue sarcomas.
Doctors mainly use surgery to remove these cancerous tumors. However, some types of liposarcoma can recur. Therefore, it is very important to remain under medical supervision for a long time after treatment. Then, if a new tumor develops, it can be identified before it spreads.
How does this affect my body?
It really depends on the type of liposarcoma you have. In general, these tumors most often develop on the arms or legs, especially in the thigh area or behind the knee. They can also develop on the back of the stomach.
The best part is that most liposarcoma tumors grow very slowly and are painless. You may not notice any changes until you have a large tumor on your body and it is getting bigger and bigger.
But remember, if this tumor grows and presses on a nerve, it can cause pain. Also, depending on the location of the tumor, it can affect the surrounding organs. Imagine, if a tumor like this develops near your lungs, you may have difficulty breathing.
Is this disease common? Who gets it?
No, this is not a common disease at all. As mentioned earlier, this is a very rare type of cancer . Statistically, this condition occurs in about one in a hundred thousand people.
This disease is generally more common in men than in women. Men between the ages of 50 and 65 are at higher risk. However, there is one type of Liposarcoma that can also develop in people between the ages of 35 and 55.
Types of Liposarcoma and their nature
There are several main types of liposarcoma. Although their symptoms are similar, the treatments and prognosis of the disease can vary. Let's take a look at the main types.
| Liposarcoma type | Important points |
|---|---|
| Well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLS) | This is the most common type (30%-50%). These are very slow-growing, painless tumors. They can occur on the arms, legs, or trunk. They are sometimes called atypical lipomatous tumors . |
| Myxoid liposarcoma | The second most common type (about 30%). Unlike the other types, this can also occur in people between the ages of 35-55. It most commonly occurs in the legs, and can spread to the surrounding muscles and skin. |
| Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLS) | Some WDLS cases can later turn into this condition. This is a fast-growing, severe type. It is more likely to recur after surgery. |
| Pleomorphic liposarcoma | The rarest and most severe type (5%-10%). It grows very quickly and can quickly spread to distant organs, such as the lungs. |
What are the symptoms to watch out for?
Symptoms of liposarcoma vary depending on the size of the tumor and its location. Some people may have no symptoms at all. Others may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- A new or growing lump under the skin: Be concerned if you have a lump like this, especially behind the knee or in the thigh area. Be sure to talk to a doctor about any lump the size of a golf ball (about 5 centimeters) or larger .
- Pain or swelling: Swelling, especially in the stomach area.
- Feeling weak in the arm or leg where the tumor is located.
- Feeling full as soon as you start eating.
- The food is tasteless.
- Constipation.
- Blood in the stool or black/tarry stools.
- Stomach ache.
- Vomiting blood .
- Difficulty breathing.
How does this fruit feel in your hand?
Most of the time, this fruit feels like a soft, rubbery ball . You may even feel like you can move it around a bit when you squeeze it with your fingers.
Why does this kind of cancer develop?
Scientifically speaking, this cancer is caused by mutations in our genes. These mutations cause fat cells to divide and multiply uncontrollably, creating cancerous tumors. The exact reason why these genes mutate is not yet known. However, researchers have identified several factors that increase the risk:
- Receiving radiation therapy for other cancers.
- Exposure to chemicals such as vinyl chloride in the workplace.
- Some genetic conditions that are inherited .
How does a doctor accurately diagnose this as Liposarcoma?
If you see a doctor because of one of the above symptoms, he or she will first examine you and ask about your symptoms. Then, they may refer you for several tests to confirm the diagnosis.
- CT scan (Computed Tomography - CT scan): This can show exactly where the tumor is, its size, and how close it is to major organs.
- MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging - MRI): This scan helps to check if the tumor has affected the surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and muscles.
- Biopsy: This is the most important test. Here, a very small piece of tissue is taken from the tumor and examined under a microscope. This can help determine exactly whether it is cancer, and if so, what type of cancer.
- Molecular and genetic testing: These tests can identify the specific type of liposarcoma.
What are the treatments for this?
Treatment for liposarcoma depends on the type of cancer, whether it has spread, and if so, where it has spread. You may need a combination of more than one treatment.
1. Surgery: This is the main treatment. The surgeon removes the cancerous tumor and a small amount of healthy tissue around it, making sure that no microscopic cancer cells remain.
2. Radiation therapy: Sometimes this treatment is given before surgery to shrink the tumor. This is especially common for myxoid liposarcoma. Radiation therapy is also given after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
3. Chemotherapy: This treatment is used for tumors that are too large or widespread to be removed surgically.
What is the difference between Liposarcoma and a normal fatty tumor (Lipoma)? (This is very important!)
Many people have a question about whether they have a normal fatty tumor or cancer. There are clear differences between the two. You will understand this clearly when you look at this table.
| Feature | Liposarcoma | Lipoma (common fatty tumor) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature | Cancerous. Can spread. | Non-cancerous. Does not spread. |
| Location | It can occur deep within the body, between the muscles. | It is often located just under the skin. |
| Growth | Usually gets bigger over time. | Grows very slowly or does not grow at all. |
| Treatment | Surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are required. | Often no treatment is needed. They are removed only for cosmetic reasons or if they are painful. |
| Life risk | It can be life-threatening. | Never life-threatening. |
The most important thing is, don't try to determine what type of tumor you have on your own. Be sure to show it to a doctor and follow his or her instructions.
What questions should I ask the doctor?
It's normal to have a lot of questions when you learn about such a rare disease. When you go to see your doctor, don't forget to ask these questions.
- What type of Liposarcoma do I have?
- What treatment is best for me?
- What are the chances of my disease being completely cured with these treatments?
- How will my daily activities be affected during treatment?
- Is it possible for this tumor to grow back after treatment?
- How long do I need to be under medical supervision?
Take-Home Message
- If you develop a new tumor on your body or if an existing tumor grows larger, especially if it is larger than a golf ball, seek medical advice immediately.
- Liposarcoma is a very rare cancer, so you shouldn't be unnecessarily afraid of every fatty tumor on your body.
- Only a doctor and the necessary tests can tell the difference between a normal fatty tumor (Lipoma) and a Liposarcoma. Never self-diagnose.
- Treatments can be very successful, and early detection of the disease greatly increases the likelihood of recovery.
- Even after treatment, it is essential to undergo tests according to the schedule prescribed by the doctor.
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