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
Physical examination findings of liposarcoma depend on the location of the tumor. Since most liposarcomas are located in the lower extremities, liposarcoma is commonly associated with the findings of palpable firm nontender mass in one lower extremity. 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. Physical examination findings of retroperitoneal liposarcomas include abdominal distension and tenderness.
Physical Examination
- 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:
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:[1]
- Palpable mass in any of the abdominal quadrants (more common in the lower quadrants)
- Abdominal tenderness
- Abdominal distention
References
- ↑ Kumarasamy, Narmadan A.; Gayer, Gabriela (2011). "Retroperitoneal Sarcomas". Seminars in Ultrasound, CT and MRI. 32 (5): 422–432. doi:10.1053/j.sult.2011.06.002. ISSN 0887-2171.