Written and medically reviewed by: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD, General SurgeryLast updated:
Soft Tissue Masses — Liposarcoma
Deep soft-tissue malignancy — not a lipoma
Liposarcoma arises from fat and may feel like a lipoma but is often deeper, larger, and faster growing. MRI and biopsy are critical. Treatment is wide excision with multidisciplinary planning.
Outcomes of any surgical or interventional procedure may vary from person to person. Please seek a detailed consultation with your physician before any procedure.
© Cengiz Dibekoğlu — illustrative; not for unauthorized use
Figure summary
This educational figure shows: Liposarcoma.
Key points
- Key note inside
Different from lipoma
Deep location, septation, solid areas on MRI, or rapid growth suggest liposarcoma — not reassurance from years of stability alone.
Imaging and biopsy
MRI best characterizes the mass. Core biopsy or planned resection defines grade and subtype.
Surgery and follow-up
Negative-margin resection is the goal. Retroperitoneal disease needs experienced teams; recurrence surveillance can last years.
Frequently asked questions
Can ultrasound rule out liposarcoma?
Ultrasound helps but MRI and tissue diagnosis are often needed for deep or large masses.
More chapters in this hub
Lipoma
Benign fatty masses — when to observe or excise
Skin Cysts
Epidermoid and pilar cysts — inflammation, infection, and excision
General Diagnosis
Lipoma and skin cysts — exam, ultrasound, MRI
General Treatment
Lipoma and skin cysts — observation and excision
Nevus
Suspicious pigmented lesions — ABCDE and excision
Nevus Diagnosis
Dermoscopy, biopsy, and pathology pathway
Nevus Treatment
Excision, wide local excision, and follow-up
Liposarcoma Diagnosis
MRI, biopsy, and tumor board
Liposarcoma Treatment
Wide excision, radiotherapy, and surveillance
Retroperitoneal Masses
Deep abdominal tumors — imaging and resection
Appointment / info
This page is for education. It is not medical advice and does not replace a visit with your physician.
Medical editor: Assoc. Prof. Cengiz Dibekoğlu, MD · Last medically reviewed: August 2026 · English patient-education chapter.