Liposarcoma - Symptoms, causes and treatment

Liposarcoma is cancer that occurs in fat tissue. This cancer can appear in fatty tissue anywhere in the body, but is most common in the arms, legs, and abdomen

Liposarcoma is a rare cancer. When it occurs, this cancer is more common in people aged 50-65 years, and rarely occurs in children. Liposarcoma is also more common in men than women.

Causes of Liposarcoma

Liposarcoma occurs due to genetic mutations (changes) in fat tissue. These mutations cause the growth of cells that continue to divide to form tumors. Even so, it is not known exactly what causes this mutation.

There are a number of factors that are thought to cause a person to be more at risk of suffering from liposarcoma, namely:

• Exposure to chemicals suspected of causing cancer, such as vinyl chloride (a material for making plastics), arsenic, dioxins (smoke from burning garbage), as well as insecticides and herbicides
• Have had radiotherapy to treat cancer
• Has a family history of liposarcoma or other cancers

Liposarcoma Symptoms

At first, people with liposarcoma may have no symptoms, but over time, the tumor will enlarge and cause certain symptoms.

Symptoms of liposarcoma can vary, depending on the location where the cancer formed. Liposarcomas that appear on the arms and legs can cause lumps under the skin layer, and cause pain, swelling, and decreased function of the arm or leg.

Unlike liposarcoma in the arms and legs, liposarcoma that forms in the abdomen can cause the following symptoms:

• Stomach pain and cramps
• Stomach swelling
• Constipation
• Feeling full faster than usual
• Difficulty breathing
• Blood appears in the stool
• Vomiting blood

When to see a doctor

Ask the doctor if you find a lump on your body. These lumps can be a marker of liposarcoma or other diseases. Also consult your doctor if you experience symptoms similar to those of liposarcoma.

If you have liposarcoma, check with your doctor regularly to monitor the progress of the disease and get the right treatment.

Liposarcoma Diagnosis

In the early stages of diagnosis, the doctor will ask the patient's symptoms and perform a physical examination of the lumps that appear on the skin's surface.

After that, the doctor will perform several supporting examinations to diagnose liposarcoma, namely:

• Scan

  The doctor will ask the patient to undergo scans, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. This examination will give a clear picture of the size and spread of the liposarcoma.

• BiopsiIn this procedure, the doctor will take a part of the tumor tissue as a sample for examination in the laboratory

Liposarcoma Treatment

Treatment of liposarcoma is carried out based on the location and stage (grade of malignancy).

The treatment methods include:

• OperationSurgery is performed to remove the entire cancerous tissue. Surgery is the most frequently used method to treat liposarcoma.

• Radiotherapy

  This procedure uses a special light to kill cancer cells. Radiotherapy can also be used to reduce the size of the tumor before it is removed through the

• ChemotherapyChemotherapy is done to kill cancer cells with drugs. Chemotherapy can be given before or after surgery, and sometimes in conjunction with radiotherapy.

Liposarcoma Complications

Liposarcoma is a malignant tumor that can spread to other parts of the body, such as vital tissues and organs around the tumor. In addition, liposarcomas in the arms or legs can increase the risk of sufferers undergoing amputation procedures.

Liposarcoma Prevention

Liposarcoma can be prevented by avoiding the triggering factors, namely:

• Avoid exposure to pollutant fumes, insecticides, poison arsenic, and herbicides
• Using special protective equipment when working in agriculture or at risk of exposure to chemicals
• Quit smoking
• Do not burn plastic waste
• Live a he althy lifestyle
• Undergoing regular he alth checks