Myxoid liposarcoma

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

What is myxoid liposarcoma? 

Myxoid liposarcoma is a type of cancer called liposarcoma. Myxoid liposarcoma usually starts in the legs13 but can also appear in the arms, chest or tummy area.  

Some myxoid liposarcomas grow slowly. Others grow more quickly because they have faster-growing cells called round cells. 

Signs and symptoms 

Symptoms of myxoid liposarcoma depend on where the lump is found in the body and how large the lump is.  

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

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

If myxoid 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. 

Diagnosing myxoid liposarcoma 

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

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

After treatment 

After treatment for myxoid 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 myxoid liposarcoma returning 
• a chance to talk about any symptoms you might 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 

Myxoid liposarcoma can sometimes come back in the same are. 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 can tell you what to look for.  

We have more information about if sarcoma comes back.  

Metastasis 

If myxoid 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 in the body. You may have chest scans at follow-up appointments to check for metastasis in the lungs. 

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

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