Giant well-differentiated liposarcoma/Atypical lipomatous tumor of the thigh with 4 years follow-up: a series of two case reports

Abstract Background Well-differentiated liposarcoma/atypical lipomatous tumor (WDLPS/ALT) is the most common type of liposarcoma. This lesion is most frequently observed in patients aged 40–50 years. Although it shows slow growth and a low grade of malignancy, misdiagnosis or inappropriate management may induce local recurrence and metastasis in cases of dedifferentiation. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted and the data on ages, gender, duration since tumor detection, associated symptoms and adjacent neurovascular injury were collected. Our diagnostic work-up, surgical treatment technique, outcomes and preoperative complications were also presented. Results Two male patients presented with giant WDLPS/ALT of the thigh (> 10cm). While 33-year-old patient showed mild pain after 4 years noticing the tumor, 64-year-old patient had recognized his asymptomatic tumor 28 years before presenting to our hospital due to rapid growth in recent years. After surgical treatment, the complication of thigh swelling was observed in 64-year-old patient. After 48-month and 59-month follow-up, respectively, the Lower Extremity Functional Scale improved and no local recurrence was recorded. Discussion Patients with giant lipomatous tumors need to be diagnosed and undergo wide resection surgery in order to achieve good outcomes and avoid local recurrence as well as dedifferentiation into higher-grade malignancy. Conclusion Giant lipomatous tumors of the thigh should be detected and treated surgically as soon as possible to achieve good outcomes. Wide resection is the optimal surgical treatment to reduce the risk of local recurrence and metastasis.