This article will explain the symptoms of liposarcoma and when to see your healthcare provider.
Frequent Symptoms
The most common symptom of liposarcoma is a painless lump. Many people experience such lumps, in some cases with a bruise, after an injury, so they can go unnoticed or ignored. But if a lump doesn’t go away on its own after a few weeks, it may be a cause for concern.
If the lump is due to liposarcoma, the tumor can grow large enough to begin to press on other muscles, nerves, and organs in the body. This can lead to other symptoms, depending on where the tumor is located.
Other symptoms may include:
Unexplained swellingWeakness in the area where lump/tumor is locatedPainProblems breathingExtreme tirednessStomach pain or cramping
Rare Symptoms
As liposarcoma progresses, the tumor can grow large enough to put pressure on the nearby organs or spread to other parts of the body. This may cause additional symptoms, including:
New lumps that form in other parts of the body Constipation More severe stomach pain or cramping Blood in vomit or stool Black stool Bloated stomach
In rare cases, liposarcoma can form in the head or neck, which may cause neurological symptoms, such as headaches, brain fog, and memory issues.
Complications
Liposarcoma is a serious condition. If it is not caught and treated in a timely manner, the cancer can spread to other areas of the body, including the organs, nerves, and muscles. Left untreated, it can also be life-threatening.
Even with treatment, complications can still happen. The cancer can return and spread. In addition, some people experience reactions or side effects from treatment, which may include chemotherapy and radiation.
Some of the common side effects include:
Nerve damageFeverFatigueHair lossNausea
When to See a Doctor
If you notice that you have a painless lump in your body that doesn’t go away on its own within a few weeks or is growing, don’t ignore it.
Overall, if the lump is larger than a golf ball and you have any of the symptoms of liposarcoma, it is time to make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
If you are diagnosed with liposarcoma, your healthcare team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that offers the best chance at curing the disease.
Summary
Liposarcoma is often symptomless aside from a painless lump that forms under the skin. As the tumor grows, it may put pressure on the tissue or organs near the tumor. It’s important to seek medical attention if you have a lump that doesn’t go away, as catching and treating this cancer early improves outcomes.
A Word From Verywell
If you have a painless lump that doesn’t go away or is getting bigger, it’s important to seek medical care right away. Your healthcare professional can work with you to determine the cause of the growth and get you started on a treatment plan if it does in fact turn out to be liposarcoma.
Liposarcoma is a rare cancer, but it does occur, and treating it early improves your chances of curing the disease and going on to live a long, healthy life.
