A CASE OF RETROPERITONEAL LIPOSARCOMA

Liposarcoma occurring in the retroperitoneum is relatively rare and is often found as a giant mass. In this paper, we reported a case of well-differentiated retroperitoneal liposarcoma. A 43-year-old man was admitted to the hospital because of feeling of abdominal fullness and lumbago. An infant-head-sized tumor was palpable in the left upper abdomen. Scout film of the abdomen revealed a mass shadow in the left upper abdomen. In an abdominal ultrasonic examination, the tumor mass showed an irregular pattern. Abdominal CT scan visualized a low density area with a clear boundary, and with enhancing, a low density ara filled with heterogenous reticular shadow was observed. From the above findings, a diagnosis of well-differentiated retroperitoneal liposarcoma was entertained. Celiotomy was performed with confirmation of the preoperative diagnosis by microscopic examinations. Postoperative course was satisfactory and he was discharged on the 12th postoperative day. Excision of a retroperitoneal liposar-coma is relatively easy due to poor blood supply and its prognosis is favorable in well-differentiated type. For a preoperative diagnosis, abdminal CT scan is useful.