Keywords:
Neoplasia, Education, MR, CT, Musculoskeletal soft tissue, Anatomy
Authors:
C. Azzopardi, G. Kiernan, M. Gibbons, J. Teh; Oxford/UK
DOI:
10.1594/essr2018/P-0153
Background
Liposarcomas are the most common soft tissue sarcomas which occur predominantly in the thigh or retroperitoneum in an adult. In this review we aim to highlight the role of cross-sectional imaging in the interrogation of lipomatous neoplastic masses which present as hernias.
Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are vital modalities used in evaluating abdominal and pelvic disease and are essential tools in detecting tumours which in view of their size present by herniation through abdominal wall defects [1].
The late presentation of these tumours results in high surgical morbidity and mortality with an increased risk of dedifferentiation on presentation. Cross-sectional imaging not only facilitates a more definitive diagnosis but also delineates the degree of local and metastatic invasion and enables pre-operative surgical planning.