Clinical outcomes of deep atypical lipomas (well-differentiated lipoma-like liposarcomas) of the extremities.

AIM

Controversy exists with regard to the nomenclature, treatment and outcome of a group of well-differentiated lipomatous tumours sometimes labelled as atypical lipomas. The purpose of the present paper is to attempt to clarify these controversies by reporting our experience with this lesion.

METHODS

The clinical features and follow up of 61 patients with the diagnosis of deep atypical lipoma and a minimum two-year follow up were examined.

RESULTS

All patients were treated by marginal excision alone. A local recurrence was seen in five patients (8%). Three recurred once and two recurred twice. No patient had a metastasis or died as a result of the tumour. No lesion dedifferentiated.

CONCLUSION

We believe the term atypical lipoma is appropriate for these tumours, as they appear not to have any metastatic potential, merely a propensity to recur locally. The chance of dedifferentiation is small and radiotherapy may play a role in its causation. We suggest that a simple marginal resection (shelling-out) is adequate treatment for these lesions. Radiotherapy should not be used.