This page explains well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLS). It includes information about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, as well as where to get more support.
What is WDLS?
Well differentiated liposarcoma (WDLS) is a type of cancer called liposarcoma. It usually grows slowly and stays in one place, so it does not often spread to other parts of the body.
WLDS is most often found in the tummy, arms, legs, or the area at the back of the tummy, called the retroperitoneum.
In rare cases, it can change into a faster-growing form of liposarcoma called dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLS).
Signs and symptoms
Symptoms of WDLS depend on where the lump is found in the body and how large the lump is.
If WDLS is found in the arms or legs, you may notice:
- a painless lump in your arm or leg
- weakness in your arm or leg near the lump.
If WDLS is found in the tummy, you may notice:
- discomfort, cramping, or pain in the tummy area
- swelling or a feeling of fullness in the tummy.
Diagnosing WDLS
If you find a lump, your GP will examine you and may refer you to a specialist team. This team will use different scans and tests to see if you have WDLS.
You might have:
- a CT scan
- an MRI scan
- a core needle biopsy (a sample of tissue taken with a needle).
We have more information about different types of scans and tests used to diagnose sarcoma.
A multidisciplinary team (MDT) of sarcoma specialists will look at your results and work out the diagnosis.
Treating WDLS
There are a few different treatment options for well-differentiated liposarcoma (WDLS). You and your multidisciplinary team (MDT) of sarcoma specialists will talk through these options before starting any treatment.
Surgery for WDLS
Surgery is usually the first treatment for WDLS. The aim is to remove as much of the lump as possible. The surgeon removes the lump and also removes a small area of normal tissue around it. This is known as taking a margin. Taking a margin helps lower the risk of the sarcoma coming back.
If you have WLDS in one of your arms or legs, the surgeon will try to remove the lump without damaging or removing your arm or leg.
In rare cases, the surgeon may recommend removing your arm or leg (amputation). This is usually only done if the lump cannot be removed safely or if sarcoma has come back.
Our rehabilitation hub has more information about different types of surgeries, how to prepare for surgery, and getting back to everyday life.
Radiotherapy for WDLS
Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation beams to destroy cancer cells.
Most people with WDLS will not need radiotherapy if doctors can safely remove the whole lump with surgery. Sometimes the sarcoma team recommend radiotherapy after surgery to lower the chance of the WDLS coming back. The team will make this decision carefully, depending on where the lump is.
Radiotherapy might be considered if:
- the lump is large or deep inside the body
- it is close to important blood vessels or nerves
- the surgeon cannot remove all of the lump.
Sometimes, radiotherapy is also used for retroperitoneal WDLS. This means the lump is deep in the tummy area, where it can be harder to remove completely.
Your sarcoma team will talk with you about the possible benefits and side effects of radiotherapy. For many people with WDLS, surgery on its own removes the tumour completely, so no further treatment is required.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is not normally used to treat WDLS. This is because research has shown that chemotherapy is not effective in this type of liposarcoma.
After treatment
After treatment for WDLS, you will have regular follow-up appointments for several years. At these appointments, you will have:
- scans and tests to check for any new lumps or signs of WDLS returning
- a chance to talk about any symptoms you might have
- a chance to talk about how you’re feeling and any worries you have.
We know that some people can feel unsure or lost when treatment finishes This feeling is completely normal. We have more information about living with and beyond sarcoma.
Recurrence
WDLS rarely spreads to other parts of the body. However, it can sometimes come back in the same area. This is called a recurrence. Follow-up appointments and regular scans will help to monitor recurrence. You can also check for recurrences yourself through self-examination. Your doctor or sarcoma clinical nurse specialist (CNS) can tell you what to look for.
We have more information about if sarcoma comes back.
Living with WDLS
Living with cancer can be difficult. We have support to help you with your mental health, physical health, and we also have financial support. No matter what you’re worried about, we’re here to support you.
If you have any more questions about WDLS, or if you need to talk to someone, our Support Line team are here for you.
More support
Call the Sarcoma UK Support Line
The Sarcoma UK Support Line is here for every person affected by sarcoma. Get in touch for friendly, expert, confidential and free advice on anything to do with sarcoma.
Support groups
There are a number of sarcoma support groups across the UK. We have more information about support groups available online and in your local area.
Order our liposarcoma booklet
Our booklet includes more information about liposarcoma. Order our liposarcoma information booklet on our shop, for free.
Other charities
- Maggie’s: Maggie’s is a charity that offers advice and support for adults and young people living with cancer.
- Penny Brohn: Penny Brohn has a lot of support for people who have just been diagnosed or are living with cancer. This includes resources, online sessions, and counselling.
- Shine Cancer Support: Shine Cancer Support is a charity connecting people with experience of cancer together. This is through online programmes and in-person support groups. They support people in their 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s.
- Macmillan: Macmillan Cancer Support have a lot of information about cancer diagnosis, treatment, and after treatment.
Last reviewed November 2025
Next review due November 2028
