They are typically large bulky tumors which tend to have multiple satellite lesions extending beyond the gross confines of the tumor. Patients usually note a deep seated mass in their soft tissue for tumors of the extremity. Only when the tumor is very large, do symptoms of pain or functional disturbances occur. Retroperitoneal tumors may present with signs of weight loss and emaciation and abdominal pain. These tumors may also compress the kidney or ureter leading to kidney failure.
Histological patterns vary from round cell, myxoid, well differentiated, and pleomorphic type.
The round cell and pleomorphic types are the most aggressive with a relentless history of recurrences. The pathologist must differentiate this tumor from other soft tissue sarcomas, particularly malignant fibrous histiocytomas. The mutation was not seen in any of 15 cases of well-differentiated liposarcoma. The authors present the eighth case, which occurred in an adult female patient. A Clinicopathologic Analysis Of 19 Cases Katharine A. Downes, etal.