Musculoskeletal ImagingLiposarcoma
a
malignant tumour of soft tissue that on rare occasions arises in bone. The tumours generally occur
de novo rather than from transformation of
benign lipomas. Common locations include the thigh, gluteal region, retroperitoneum and leg.
On radiographs the tumours may or may not be calcified and are inhomogeneous and poorly defined. In some cases the fatty component is obvious on plain films. On CT scans the regions of fat and water density can be distinguished, and contrast enhancement occurs in the regions of water density after administration of contrast agent. Generally the more malignant lesions have higher radiodensity and less malignant tumours a greater fat content (i.e. increased radiolucency). MR imaging is also of value, although fat may or may not be observed (Fig.1).
DR/RB
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a. Lateral radiograph demonstrates a large soft tissue mass in the leg.
b. Axial T2-weighted MR image demonstrates a large soft tissue mass of predominantly high signal intensity that contains multiple septations.
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Liposarcoma, Fig.1 (a) | | Liposarcoma, Fig.1 (b) | |