A high power view of an area of liposarcoma revealing the typical features. The tumor consists of both almost normal looking adipocytes, such as those at the tips of the black pointers with a large, central, clear areas that represents fat that has been removed during the histological procedure. In addition, there are cells that show significant nuclear enlargement, hyperchromasia and uneveness of size, such as those pointed out by the green arrows. In other cells, the cytoplasm is distinctly fenestrated, or foamy-looking, revealing the various stages of fat accumulation. Tumor of adult life, with a peak incidence between 40 and 60 years of age.
Retroperitoneal tumors occur somewhat more frequently in women.
There is no evidence that any race or geographical area is more prone to develop liposarcomas. The three most common locations are the thigh, the retroperitoneum, and the inguinal region. 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.