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Liposarcoma: causes, symptoms and treatment
Liposarcoma is a rare malignant tumour that develops from fat cells and affects soft tissue. It most commonly occurs in the thighs, retroperitoneum, and extremities. Because of its heterogeneity, it can vary considerably in biological behaviour, structure and prognosis.
Causes of the disease
The exact cause of the disease is not fully established, but the main factor is considered to be a genetic mutation that leads to uncontrolled division of adipose tissue cells. Most often the disease is diagnosed in people aged 40-60 years. In the initial stages, it may not cause symptoms, so it is often detected when it begins to squeeze surrounding structures.
Main symptoms
Manifestations of liposarcoma depend on its localisation:
- in the abdomen it can cause discomfort, bloating or digestive problems;
- in the extremities it manifests as a thickening, soreness or restricted mobility.
Because of its similarity to benign lipomas, careful diagnosis, including imaging studies and biopsy, is required.
Types of liposarcoma
The tumour is classified into several varieties:
- Well-differentiated - the most common, with a low potential for metastasis, but prone to recurrence.
- Dedifferentiated - an aggressive form that develops from the first type, with a higher risk of spread.
- Myxoid/round cell - characterised by a mucoid structure, more common in the extremities, prone to metastasis.
- Pleomorphic - the rarest and most aggressive, spreads rapidly to the lungs and liver.
Methods of liposarcoma treatment
The approach to therapy depends on the stage, localisation and subtype of the neoplasm.
Surgical removal is the main method that allows you to eliminate the cancerous formation along with part of the surrounding tissues. In some cases, extended intervention is required.
Radiation - used before surgery to reduce the size of the neoplasm or after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Chemotherapy - used for aggressive subtypes, especially myxoid and pleomorphic forms. Includes drugs aimed at destroying cancer cells.
Targeted - an innovative method that targets specific mutations in the tumour, often used as part of clinical trials.
Liposarcoma therapy in Israel
Local clinics offer advanced diagnostics and treatment, allowing you to effectively fight soft tissue tumours. Highly accurate diagnostics, modern surgical techniques and innovative drugs allow for significant successes.
The main advantages of Israeli approaches are:
- gentle surgical methods that preserve limb functionality;
- combination of surgery with radiotherapy, which reduces the probability of recurrence by 85%;
- use of modern drugs that increase survival rates.
BK Medical Logistic Company helps patients to organise treatment in leading clinics in Israel. Specialists will choose the optimal method of therapy, help with paperwork and travel arrangements.
