Giant Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma: Correlation Between Size and Risk for Recurrence

Abstract

Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are rare tumors that represent almost 1% of adult malignant tumors. The annual incidence rate for such tumors is 2 -5/100,000 population. The most common type of STS in adults is liposarcoma, which represents 15-20% of adult STSs. It is of mesodermic origin derived from adipose tissues, and known as the most common primary malignant tumor of the retroperitoneum. Other sites of involvement include the extremities, trunk and to a lesser extent the pleural cavity, esophagus, mediastinum and others. Due to the potential large retroperitoneal space, retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RPL) is usually asymptomatic during the initial phase, developing symptoms at a late stage due to large mass compressing nearby retroperitoneal structures. The average diameter and weight of RPL during diagnosis is 20 -25 cm and 15 -20 kg, respectively. Several factors were labelled as risk factors for recurrence, such as histological type, tumor grade, age, resectability and tumor size. Controversy exists regarding the relationship between tumor size and recurrence rate, thus, tumor size as a risk factor for recurrence should be clarified. Although there is no consensus regarding the precise definition of giant RPL, it is defined by several literatures as an RPL of greater than 30 cm in diameter or with weight of more than 20 kg. The main purpose of this article is to review the current English literature regarding giant RPL and examine the relationship between tumor size and risk for recurrence.

A case of retroperitoneal liposarcoma extending through the inguinal canal to the thigh and lesser trochanter

“…Liposarcomas grow slowly and painlessly and are usually distensible. Since there are no specific symptoms, it is difficult to diagnose the disease in its early stage; it is often detected after the tumor has grown to a large size 8 . Retroperitoneal liposarcomas are generally large at presentation, with nearly 50% being larger than 20 cm at diagnosis 9 .…”

Resection of a giant mediastinal liposarcoma by median sternotomy with vascular reconstruction—a case report

“…Surgical radicality is a crucial prerequisite for successful therapeutic outcome. Adjuvant therapy is generally considered in patients at an increased risk of local recurrence so that improved local control may be achieved ( 21 , 22 ). In mediastinal liposarcoma, there is no consensus on the use of radiotherapy postoperatively, however in a small number of patients, the benefit of postoperative radiation therapy in retroperitoneal liposarcoma has been demonstrated ( 23 ).…”

Near-Infrared-Mediated Self-Assembly of Graphene Quantum Dot-Based Nanoprobes to Silence Heat Shock Protein Expression for Mild Photothermal Therapy in Liposarcoma

“…2,3 Due to the insidious nature of its onset, retroperitoneal liposarcoma is difficult to detect in a small area and is not apparent to patients until the tumor becomes large and invades or compresses surrounding organs, causing symptoms. 4 Surgical resection is the only effective treatment for retroperitoneal liposarcoma at present, but it is prone to local recurrence. 5 Conventional systemic chemotherapy and targeted therapy have limited and short-lived effects, are prone to drug resistance, and are often accompanied by severe hematologic toxicity.…”

“…Liposarcoma is a malignant tumor originating in the mesenchymal tissue that is more common in adults, often occurring in the extremities, retroperitoneum, and neck . Retroperitoneal liposarcoma, in particular, is a type of tumor originating from nonspecific organs of retroperitoneal adipose tissue. , Due to the insidious nature of its onset, retroperitoneal liposarcoma is difficult to detect in a small area and is not apparent to patients until the tumor becomes large and invades or compresses surrounding organs, causing symptoms . Surgical resection is the only effective treatment for retroperitoneal liposarcoma at present, but it is prone to local recurrence .…”