Liposarcoma physical examination

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Alejandro Lemor, M.D. [2]

Overview

The physical examination findings will depend on the location of the liposarcoma, being the most common location the lower extremities. The main finding is a painless, slow growing, firm mass in one of the lower extremities. Retroperitoneal liposarcomas would have a late presentation and the physical examination findings include abdominal tenderness, abdominal distention and weight loss.

Physical Examination

Liposarcoma in the right knee. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Liposarcoma in the left scapular region. Image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

• The physical examination findings will depend on the location of the liposarcoma, the most common locations are in the extremities or retroperitoneal.
• It is important to search for lymph node enlargement, as well as the size of the tumor to determine the stage of the disease.
• An entire body examination is mandatory to assess lymph node involvement and distant metastasis.

Extremities

• The most common location is in the lower extremities, specially in the tight or popliteal region.
• A painless mass is palpated in the anatomic location of the liposarcoma.
• In the physical examination, is important to assess the following characteristics:

• Size
• Location
• Depth
• Involvement of adjacent structures (such as peripheral nerves or veins)
• Edema

Abdominal

• The physical examination might be unremarkable in case of retroperitoneal liposarcomas.
• Most retroperitoneal liposarcomas can measure up to 20 cm before causing symptoms.
• Physical findings for retroperitoneal location include:

• Palpable mass in any of the abdominal quadrants (more common in the lower quadrants)
• Abdominal tenderness
• Abdominal distention