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Low power view of a liposarcoma
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Low power view of a liposarcoma

A low power view of a liposarcoma.
Even at this power, one can appreciate two features.
The intense cellularity of this lesion, as evidenced by the numerous purple dots that represent nuclei.
The other feature is the obvious presence of numerous empty-looking spaces that represent the fat that has been extracted during the fixation, embedding and sectioning process.
(Description By:T.V.Rajan, M.D. )
(Image Contrib. by:T.V.Rajan, M.D. UCHC )
Liposarcoma
Etiology

Unknown
Pathogenesis

Unknown,
Epidemiology

Tumor of adult life, with a peak incidence between 40 and 60 years of age.
Approximately 55 to 60% of tumors occur in men.
Retroperitoneal tumors occur somewhat more frequently in women.
There is no evidence that any race or geographical area is more prone to develop liposarcomas.
General Gross Description

The three most common locations are the thigh, the retroperitoneum, and the inguinal region.
Grossly, the sarcomas are large (5 to 10 centimeters) lesions that are well-circumscribed.
Liposarcomas typically manifest a lobulated appearance.
Cut section may reveal a mucinous appearance, especially if the myxoid component is prominent.
Typically, at least some evidence of yellow color, due to the lipid material, is present.
General Microscopic Description

Histologically, the most common type is the myxoid type.
The tumor has three components: proliferating lipoblasts, a delicate capillary network, and a myxoid matrix containing abundant ground substance.
The typical feature of a liposarcoma is the presence of lipoblasts, usually appearing as cells with a foamy or signet ring appearance.
Some of these cells may,with an increase in lipid accumulation, resemble adult fat cells.
A branching capillary network, resembling a chickenwire fence, is one of the typical features of the myxoid liposarcoma.
The myxoid component also contains stellate myxomatous cells.
Some liposarcomas are poorly differentiated with small round cells resembling a malignant lymphoma.
However, typical lipoblasts and myxoid cells are often seen.
Clinical Correlation

Usually manifest as a slow growing, deep seated, poorly defined mass.
Rare instances may be associated with pain or tenderness early in the disease.
The tumor is usually large by the time the patient seeks medical attention.
Five year survival rates vary from 60 to 70%.
References


Cotran RS, Kumar V, Robbins SL: Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 5th edition. Philadelphia, W.B. Saunders, 1994, pp. 1262.
Liposarcoma
Synopsis by: T.V. Rajan M.D. Ph.D. (T1X000M88503)[90]
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