Pleomorphic liposarcoma

This page explains pleomorphic liposarcoma. This includes information about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, as well as where to get more support if you’re diagnosed with pleomorphic liposarcoma.   

What is pleomorphic liposarcoma?

Pleomorphic liposarcoma is the rarest type of a cancer called liposarcoma. It often starts in the arms, legs, or the area behind the tummy, called the retroperitoneum. It can appear anywhere in the body.  

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms of pleomorphic liposarcoma depend on where the lump is found in the body and how large the lump is. Symptoms may come on suddenly.  

If pleomorphic liposarcoma is found in an arm or leg, you may notice: 

• a painless lump 
• a lump that is getting bigger or changing 
• swelling near the lump 
• weakness or tingling in the arm or leg with the lump. 

If pleomorphic liposarcoma 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 
• weight loss that you cannot explain. 

Diagnosing pleomorphic liposarcoma

If you find a lump, your GP will examine you and may refer you to a specialist sarcoma team. This team will use different scans and tests to see if you have pleomorphic liposarcoma. 

You might have: 

• a CT scan  
• an MRI scan  
• a core needle biopsy (a small sample of tissue taken with a needle).  

We have more information about the 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 pleomorphic liposarcoma 

There are a few different treatment options for pleomorphic liposarcoma. You and your multidisciplinary team MDT of sarcoma specialists will discuss these options before starting any treatment. 

After treatment 

After treatment for pleomorphic liposarcoma, you will have regular follow-up appointments. At these appointments, you will have: 

• scans and tests to check for any new lumps or signs of pleomorphic liposarcoma returning 
• a chance to talk about any symptoms you might have. 

It’s common to feel lost and uncertain once treatment ends, but support is available. We have more information about living with and beyond sarcoma. 

Recurrence 

Pleomorphic liposarcoma can come back in the same area. This is known as a recurrence. Follow-up appointments and regular scans will help to monitor recurrence. You can also check for recurrences yourself for changes. Your doctor or sarcoma clinical nurse specialist can tell you what to look for.  

We have more information about if sarcoma comes back.  

Metastasis 

If pleomorphic liposarcoma comes back, it may have spread to another part of the body. This is called metastasis and is sometimes called a secondary sarcoma. 

These secondary sarcomas can appear anywhere, but are most common in the lungs. You may have chest scans at follow-up appointments to check for this. 

If your sarcoma has spread to a different part of the body, you may be offered additional treatment like chemotherapy, radiation, or more surgery.  

Living with pleomorphic liposarcoma 

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 pleomorphic liposarcoma, or if you need to talk to someone, our  Support Line team are here for you.