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. 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.