Giant retroperitoneal liposarcoma. Report of 5 cases

Liposarcoma is the most frequent histopathological variety of the retroperitoneum, surgery is the gold standard for treatment.

We report, retrospectively over 7 years (2000-2006), 5 cases (four men and one woman, the mean age was 48 years) of giant retroperitoneal liposarcomas and study their clinical characteristics intra operatively findings and course evolution. None of our patients had a percutaneous biopsy of his tumour. Surgery was indicated to all patients. Resection was performed in 4 cases (we performed a bloc resection in three cases and a simple tumour resection in one case), and in one case, abstention was decided. None of patients had an adjuvant therapy Three of the patients still alive after the follow up of 2, 3 and 4 years.

Retroperitoneal liposarcomas represent a unique situation and require a more aggressive surgical approach including multiple resections for recurrences. Based on the ability of the patient to tolerate the procedure, surgery is suggested to evaluate resectability of the tumor. We must take into consideration whether prolonged survival will be attained and tumor removal will result in palliation of symptoms.