Case report of a successful conservative surgical treatment of a giant liposarcoma of the forearm invading the median nerve

Liposarcomas (LPS) are the most common malignant tumors among soft tissue sarcomas. We report a rare case of well-differentiated liposarcoma (lipoma-like) located along the anterior compartment of the right forearm, which was successfully treated with complete excision, resulting in good functional recovery without recurrence during a 2-year follow-up. Surgery is the primary treatment for localized forms, involving complete and radical excision with clear resection margins. LPS represents a heterogeneous group of soft tissue sarcomas, with diagnosis primarily relying on histological examination. Their care requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma treated with radical conservative surgery: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RLPS) is a rare malignant tumor of the connective tissue and usually grows to a large size, undetected. Diagnosis is currently based on collective findings from clinical examinations and computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging, the latter of which show a fat density mass and possible surrounding organ involvement. Surgical resection is the main therapeutic strategy. The efficacy and safety of further therapeutic choices, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, are still controversial.

CASE SUMMARY

A 61-year-old man presented with complaint of a large left inguinal mass that had appeared suddenly, after a slight exertion. Ultrasonography revealed an omental inguinal hernia. During further clinical examination, an enormous palpable abdominal mass, continuing from the left inguinal location, was observed. CT revealed a giant RLPS, with remarkable mass effect and wide visceral dislocation. After multidisciplinary consultation, surgical intervention was performed. Subsequent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy were precluded by the mass’ large size and retroperitoneal localization, features typically associated with non-response to these types of treatment. Instead, the patient underwent conservative treatment via radical surgical excision. After 1 year, his clinical condition remained good, with no radiological signs of recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Conservative treatment via surgery resulted in a successful outcome for a large RLPS.