Liposarcoma (patient information): Difference between revisions
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*[[X-ray]]: Plain x-ray may be done to see the tumor and the adjacent areas. It is usually done in case the tumor is in chest, abdomen or limbs or bones. It helps to understand whether tumor has damaged the bone or spread to other areas. | *[[X-ray]]: Plain x-ray may be done to see the tumor and the adjacent areas. It is usually done in case the tumor is in chest, abdomen or limbs or bones. It helps to understand whether tumor has damaged the bone or spread to other areas. | ||
*[[Biopsy]]: A biopsy is the most sensitive test for the diagnosis of liposarcoma. It could be a needle biopsy or surgical [[biopsy]]. In [[needle biopsy]], the doctor usually performs a [[punch biopsy]] and removes a tiny round piece of tissue using needle or a small tool. For bigger tissues, an incision may be made and | *[[Biopsy]]: A biopsy is the most sensitive test for the diagnosis of liposarcoma. It could be a needle biopsy or surgical [[biopsy]]. In [[needle biopsy]], the doctor usually performs a [[punch biopsy]] and removes a tiny round piece of tissue using needle or a small tool. For bigger tissues, an incision may be made and surgical biopsy is used. The sample is sent to a lab where the pathologists can detect the tissues under the microscope and identify the type. | ||
*[[Computed tomography]] | *[[Computed tomography]][[CT]] scan and [[biopsy]]: Local [[CT]] scans are often used to diagnose soft tissue sarcoma. A [[CT]] machine takes multiple images of your body and various organs to check for tumor and extent of spread. A dye may be injected to visualize better and take clearer images. Inform the doctor if there is a prior allergy to the contrast dye. [[CAT scan]] confirm the location of the cancer and show the organs nearby. These are helpful for determining the stage of the cancer and in determining whether surgery is a good treatment option. [[CT]] scans can also be used to guide biopsy and a biopsy sample is usually removed and looked at under a microscope. | ||
*[[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI): An MRI uses magnetic fields but it is a different type of image than what is produced by computed tomography (CT) and produces detailed images of the body. The magnets and the computer takes multiple pictures of your body with the tumor and helps to visualize the organs, blood vessels, bones, soft tissues and helps in diagnosing accurately. Like computed tomography (CT), a contrast agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture. Inform the doctor if you have prior contrast dye allergy. Do not wear metals while undergoing the proceedure as metals can cause injury. | *[[Magnetic resonance imaging]] (MRI): An MRI uses magnetic fields but it is a different type of image than what is produced by [[computed tomography]] (CT) and produces detailed images of the body. The magnets and the computer takes multiple pictures of your body with the tumor and helps to visualize the organs, blood vessels, bones, soft tissues and helps in diagnosing accurately. Like [[computed tomography]] (CT), a contrast agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture. Inform the doctor if you have prior contrast dye allergy. Do not wear metals while undergoing the proceedure as metals can cause injury. | ||
*[[Positron emission tomography]](PET) scan: When doing this test, a small amount of a radioactive medium is injected into your body and absorbed by the organs or tissues. This radioactive substance gives off energy which in turn is used to produce the images. PET can provide more helpful information than either CT or MRI scans. It is useful to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and it is also useful for your doctor to locate where the cancer has spread. Inform the caregiver if you had prior contrast allergy. | *[[Positron emission tomography]](PET) scan: When doing this test, a small amount of a radioactive medium is injected into your body and absorbed by the organs or tissues. This radioactive substance gives off energy which in turn is used to produce the images. PET can provide more helpful information than either CT or MRI scans. It is useful to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and it is also useful for your doctor to locate where the cancer has spread. Inform the caregiver if you had prior contrast allergy. | ||
* | *Whole Bone Scan: The goal of a whole body bone scan is to show if a cancer has metastasized to your bones. | ||
==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ==When to seek urgent medical care?== | ||
Revision as of 15:11, 19 September 2014
For the WikiDoc page on this topic, click here
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Liposarcoma |
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Liposarcoma On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
What are the symptoms of Liposarcoma?
Liposarcoma is asymtpomatic in intial stage. As it progresses, depending on the location, following symptoms may be found.
- Swelling/Lump at any part of your body. It may be soft or firm and usually slow growing.
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Blood in stools
- Blood in vomitus
- Abdominal pain
- Urinary disturbances
- Breathing difficulties
What causes Liposarcoma?
The cause of liposarcoma is unknown. Although liposarcoma can arise after a trauma, a benign lump may also cause liposarcoma
Who is at highest risk?
Research has indicated that liposarcoma can develop due to several factors.
- Radiation : People who have been exposed to radiation therapy for other types of cancer such as lymphoma, breast cancer has increased risk of developing liposarcoma in the area treated with radiation.
- Genetics: Some genetic diseases may increase the risk of developing liposarcoma, like the following.
- Neurofibromatosis (NF1; von Recklinghausen disease
- Gardner syndrome( Familial adenomatous polyposis)
- Li-Fraumeni syndromeRetinoblastoma
- Werner syndrome
- Nevoid basal cell carcinoma (Gorlin syndrome)
- Exposure to chemicals such as given below may increase the risk of developing liposarcoma.
- Vinyl chloride
- Arsenic
- Thorium dioxide(Thorotrast)
How to know you have liposarcoma?
A physical examination by the doctor is one of the first processes in diagnosing the disease. A deep seated large swelling which is firm and fixed to underlying structure should arise suspicion.
- X-ray: Plain x-ray may be done to see the tumor and the adjacent areas. It is usually done in case the tumor is in chest, abdomen or limbs or bones. It helps to understand whether tumor has damaged the bone or spread to other areas.
- Biopsy: A biopsy is the most sensitive test for the diagnosis of liposarcoma. It could be a needle biopsy or surgical biopsy. In needle biopsy, the doctor usually performs a punch biopsy and removes a tiny round piece of tissue using needle or a small tool. For bigger tissues, an incision may be made and surgical biopsy is used. The sample is sent to a lab where the pathologists can detect the tissues under the microscope and identify the type.
- Computed tomographyCT scan and biopsy: Local CT scans are often used to diagnose soft tissue sarcoma. A CT machine takes multiple images of your body and various organs to check for tumor and extent of spread. A dye may be injected to visualize better and take clearer images. Inform the doctor if there is a prior allergy to the contrast dye. CAT scan confirm the location of the cancer and show the organs nearby. These are helpful for determining the stage of the cancer and in determining whether surgery is a good treatment option. CT scans can also be used to guide biopsy and a biopsy sample is usually removed and looked at under a microscope.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI uses magnetic fields but it is a different type of image than what is produced by computed tomography (CT) and produces detailed images of the body. The magnets and the computer takes multiple pictures of your body with the tumor and helps to visualize the organs, blood vessels, bones, soft tissues and helps in diagnosing accurately. Like computed tomography (CT), a contrast agent may be injected into a patient’s vein to create a better picture. Inform the doctor if you have prior contrast dye allergy. Do not wear metals while undergoing the proceedure as metals can cause injury.
- Positron emission tomography(PET) scan: When doing this test, a small amount of a radioactive medium is injected into your body and absorbed by the organs or tissues. This radioactive substance gives off energy which in turn is used to produce the images. PET can provide more helpful information than either CT or MRI scans. It is useful to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and it is also useful for your doctor to locate where the cancer has spread. Inform the caregiver if you had prior contrast allergy.
- Whole Bone Scan: The goal of a whole body bone scan is to show if a cancer has metastasized to your bones.
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Liposarcoma?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Liposarcoma