But these are two very different conditions. The biggest distinction is that lipoma is noncancerous benign and liposarcoma is cancerous malignant. Lipoma tumors form just under the skin, usually in the shoulders, neck, trunk, or arms. The mass tends to feel soft or rubbery and moves when you push with your fingers.
Liposarcoma forms deeper within the body, usually in the abdomen or thighs. Symptoms can include pain, swelling, and changes to weight. If untreated, they can spread throughout the body. There may be no other symptoms other than being able to feel a lump in an area of fatty tissue. As the tumor grows, symptoms can include:. Liposarcoma begins when genetic changes occur in fat cells, causing them to grow out of control. In the United States, there are about 2, new cases of liposarcoma a year.
It seldom affects children. The diagnosis can be made with a biopsy. A sample of tissue will need to be removed from the tumor. If the tumor is hard to reach, imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan can be used to guide the needle to the tumor. Imaging tests can also help determine the size and number of tumors. These tests can also tell if nearby organs and tissues have been affected.
The tissue sample will be sent to a pathologist, who will examine it under a microscope. The pathology report will be sent to your doctor. This report will tell your doctor whether the mass is cancerous, as well as details about the type of cancer. The main treatment is surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove the entire tumor plus a small margin of healthy tissue.
This may not be possible if the tumor has grown into vital structures. Radiation is a targeted therapy that uses energy beams to kill cancer cells. It can be used after surgery to destroy any cancer cells that may have been left behind. Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment involving powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. Following surgery, it can be used to destroy cancer cells that may have broken off from the primary tumor.
Find out about other conditions that can be confused with cancer or can develop into a cancer. We also have infomration about less common blood cancers here. Soft tissue sarcomas are cancers that develop in the supporting tissues of the body. These include tissues such as the muscle, nerves, fat and blood vessels. About Cancer generously supported by Dangoor Education since Questions about cancer?
Call freephone 9 to 5 Monday to Friday or email us. Skip to main content. Home About cancer Other conditions Lipoma. Find out more about liposarcomas and other types of sarcoma. Related links. Other conditions main page Find out about other conditions that can be confused with cancer or can develop into a cancer.
Search our clinical trials database for all cancer trials and studies recruiting in the UK. But if you notice a lump or swelling anywhere on your body, have it checked by your doctor. The cause of lipomas isn't fully understood. They tend to run in families, so genetic factors likely play a role in their development.
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This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Lipoma Open pop-up dialog box Close. Lipoma A lipoma is a fatty tumor located just below the skin. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.
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